SCABSE Salutes Mrs. Velayuthan!

SCABSE invited all SC District Teachers of the Year to be a special guest and honoree at their Winter Conference, which was held on January 12-15, 2023 at the North Charleston Convention Center. SCABSE’s annual salute to the District Teachers of the Year occurred during a special Awards Ceremony and Reception on Friday, January 13, 2023.

Mrs. Velayuthan states that it has been an incredible journey and an honor to be recognized as the District Teacher of the Year 2022-2023 for Jasper County School District and to be representing Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence at the SCABSE Award Program. She is grateful for this amazing fellowship that she had with fellow SC educators and listening to the keynote speaker, Thomas Slater, elaborate on this year’s theme of “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers.” The mission of the SCABSE is to ensure a high-quality education for all children, particularly for African American children by establishing coalitions, providing forums, facilitating the placement of African-American professionals, and influencing public policy. Since its beginning, SCABSE has significantly increased its membership and has been able to generate the support of the business community as well as educational and governmental leaders throughout South Carolina. Mrs.V states it was truly a pleasure to be amidst such greatness that night and to be inspired to continue improving the academic achievement of all children.

Throughout her 34 years of teaching experience both nationally and internationally, and her 16th year at the Jasper County School District, Mrs. V realized that working in Jasper County means maintaining enthusiasm, with a focus on creating a student-centered classroom. Teaching at Jasper County provides continual learning, promotes student achievement, and prepares for global competitiveness. By fostering educational excellence, students are provided a safe and beneficial learning environment aligned to college and career readiness. This award is not about the recognition of an individual, it is the recognition of a community. The whole is far greater than any one part. We are a community that provides the environment and possibilities for students to succeed. Mrs. Velayuthan’s teaching philosophy is: “The function of education is to teach one to think critically with world class knowledge, to lead one to build character intensively with world-class skills, and to prepare one to succeed globally with life and career characteristics.” Teaching has and will continue to be a dream in pursuit!!!