Make a Splash

The month of May in a teacher's life is a whirlwind of activity...a time to celebrate and a time to reflect! I came across a letter I wrote to my third graders at the back of the class memory book we created... May 29, 2003! Fast forward to 2012...and many of my third graders will graduate from high school this week! The words still ring true on May 29, 2012!

To my Third Grade Class,                                                                        May 29, 2003


It seems like only yesterday we started our journey together. It does not seem that long ago that I sat at my computer typing a letter welcoming you to my class and trying to set your mind at ease about being a third grader; now I am typing this farewell as I send you on to pursue your education. As you entered our classroom in August, I described the journey we would take together.


I told you that some days would be great; some would be easy, and some would be down right difficult, but I would be there to help you when you needed an extra push, and encourage you along the way. I am sure you found this to be true. Some days it seemed like we took giant leaps, while other days we made small footsteps toward our goal.  It was two steps forward, a few steps back, but we learned that our attitudes help us reach our goals. Well, students our third grade journey has ended and this is my chance to say a few words before you spread your wings and fly.


I have enjoyed teaching, guiding, and yes learning from you this year. I have been so fortunate to be able to work with each of you and your parents, for you have taught me as well. As I told you, each of you are unique and we learn new things from each other every day. Each one of you has brought joy to me in a different way. I have been proud to see the joy upon your face when you learned! It has been a joy to watch you grow and make wise choices. You must always remember that you are very special to me. I hope, as you reflect upon this year, you can see how much you have learned and grown as a person.


We shared many special moments together, from our songs to help us learn new information to our writer's notebook celebrations. We achieved the highest gains in CCC in Reading and Math. We'll never forget our pen pals from USCA. We also enjoyed three great field trips to USC Aiken, the Audubon Society, and the State Museum. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot about world, our state, and ourselves. I was very proud of you when you worked together as a team to raise money for leukemia patients at the Pennies for Patients drive, wrote letters to those in need, and helped our community. We have made a difference and you've made a difference in my life. Our class experienced many days I will cherish in my heart. I hope you will remember the fun and enjoyment we had day after day. Regardless of your grades and behavior this year, I will always expect great things from you and I want to hear from you about your successes. 


Please know that I care about your education, but most of all your lives. I expect many great things from each of you over the years to come! I believe each one of you can make a positive difference in the lives of others! Make footprints and right choices each day to reach your goals and dreams! Remember that you are a PROMISE! If you don't ever remember anything else I have said, remember that you are special and that I will be following your footsteps, cheering you along your journey, even as I continue to lead other students on a new, exciting, and challenging journey. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin a new adventure as State Teacher of the Year. I am excited about the opportunity and thank you for the chance to represent you and other teachers across South Carolina. Continue to grow, stretch, and dream as big as the ocean! Remember to take actions and steps to accomplish your dreams. Thank you for a wonderful year and have a safe and happy summer.


Your Third Grade Teacher,
Mr. Fulmer

                          You will always be Forever Young! Congratulations Class of 2012!

The Impact Teachers Make

Have you thanked a teacher today? Check out this video created by Creative MMD, LLC featuring dreamers and Spartanburg area District Teachers of the Year! Teachers are in the dream developing business and I'm proud of my life's work! Through a career in education, I have the chance to give feet to dreams! Teachers make a difference every day! Click on the link below:

Teacher Impact 

CERRA Advisory Board Elections

Congratulations to the teacher leaders elected to the CERRA Advisory Board (CAB)! I am excited about the opportunities we will have to welcome our newly elected members to the board. You can read more about the newly elected members here: CERRA Advisory Board Election Results  and click on the video to learn more about the work of CAB!

Celebrating South Carolina Teachers

On May 1, hundreds of business, government and education leaders honored outstanding teachers at the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Celebration! The evening is generously sponsored by wonderful sponsors across the state who value and affirm what teachers do on a daily basis!
It is truly like the Academy Awards for teachers. I wish every educator had the opportunity to be truly recognized in this way for the difference they make in the lives of students and the community around them. Educators are in the dream developing business and are the builders of our nation. We can all thank a teacher along the way who inspired us to reach farther than we ever imagined.

2012 SC District Teachers of the Year

One of the neat opportunities I have through my work is the chance to meet and work with some amazing teacher leaders across South Carolina! It is a joy to support teacher leader initiatives in the state and have the chance to work with the District Teachers of the Year.
The celebration always brings back so many wonderful memories of my time serving as South Carolina Teacher of the Year! The experience changed my life! Every moment throughout the journey brought new opportunities for me to grow, reach and become even more hopeful about the future. There are still worlds to change, lives to touch, powerful work to be done. I am so thankful for the passionate teachers of our state and the work they do each day to help ensure that our students have the opportunities to fulfill their dreams.

The Five Finalists for South Carolina Teacher of the Year

The five finalists for the award were Taunja Pool of Greenville, Philip Rabon from Lexington 2, Amy McAllister-Skinner from Florence 5, Patricia Swinton from Richland 1, and Helen Walker from Kershaw County School District. The evening culminated in the announcement of our 2013 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, Amy McAllister Skinner, an English teacher at Johnsonville High School! Congratulations Amy and to all of the honorees selected as District Teachers of the Year!

Celebrating with Amy
 

Patti meets the President

What a privilege it is to work with Patti Tate, our 2012 South Carolina Teacher of the Year! She has inspired each of us to explore all of the windows of opportunities we have to serve, to teach, and to celebrate the teaching profession! Patti is a shining example of a teacher leader! She leads with humility and grace and encourages all around her to give their very best! Recently, Patti attended the National Teacher of the Year events in Washington, D.C. She attended a White House ceremony honoring each of the state representatives! We were all very proud to see Patti recognized for the work she does to make a difference in the lives of students and in our profession! We are all very proud of you Patti and thank you for representing each of us! Thank you for carrying a message of hope and for reminding so many across this great state of all the reasons why we can celebrate public education in South Carolina! Happy National Teacher Appreciation Week!