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Awards, experiences encourage growth and development of local teachers

 

POLK COUNTY—The recipients of the 2025 Priscilla and Ellis D. Slater Excellence in Teaching Awards were recently announced.  

The Slater Awards encourage classroom teachers to participate in opportunities to develop their skills and utilize innovative teaching techniques in the classroom by funding travel experiences which relate to the subjects they teach, attendance at conferences or institutions, and other broadening projects.

“These awards strengthen the public school system within the Polk County and Landrum communities by encouraging the professional growth and development of local classroom teachers,” said George Alley.

Staff will participate in experiences that will result in the acquisition of new skills and perspectives, which can help renew their passion for teaching and learning. The recipients this year, along with the experiences tied to the award, are:

• Kimberley Benson, Polk County High School – 2025 Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference
• Barry Feldman, Polk County High School – 2026 National Science Teaching Association Conference
• Jamie Kilgore, Tryon Elementary School – City of Dreams Discovery in New York City
• Lindsay Lewis, Tryon Elementary School – 2025 Project Based Learning World Conference
• Kendal Stoney, Tryon Elementary School – Wit & Wisdom Supplemental Learning Expedition in Europe
• Stephanie Uhrich, Saluda Elementary School – Fast and Slow Changes to the Earth’s Surface in Iceland
• Andrea Walter, Polk Central, Sunny View, and Tryon Elementary – 2025 National Association for Gifted Education Conference
• Kelly Welch, Tryon Elementary School – Wit & Wisdom Supplemental Learning Expedition in Europe
• Mandy Wolfe, Tryon Elementary School – Français s’il vous plaît in Paris

The Slater Awards are made possible by the Polk County Community Foundation.

“On behalf of Polk County Schools, I want to thank the Polk County Community Foundation for their continued support of our local educators through the 2025 Priscilla and Ellis D. Slater Excellence in Teaching Awards,” said Superintendent Aaron Greene. “This program affords teachers amazing opportunities to learn and grow as people and professionals. The Foundation’s ongoing support of our staff, students, and community at large makes such a positive impact on all of Polk County.”