Dutch Fork High School educator Erin Gilreath named South Carolina Spanish Teacher of the Year

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Mark Del Mastro, founding director, The CItadel and College of Charleston chapter of Sigma Delta Pi awards program, with Erin Gilreath, S.C. Spanish Teacher of the Year, of Dutch Fork High School

CHARLESTON, SC (11/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Erin R. Gilreath of Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, S.C., this month was named the 2012 South Carolina Spanish Teacher of the Year by the The Citadel and College of Charleston chapters of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society.

Gilreath was among three finalists for the award, which was presented for the 8th consecutive year to recognize outstanding Spanish teachers in K-12 schools across the Palmetto State. Gilreath was selected for her outstanding and diverse teaching accomplishments to include her work with technology for Spanish instruction at both the local and district-wide levels, said Mark P. Del Mastro, chair and professor of Hispanic Studies at the College of Charleston and founding director of the awards program.

Currently a Spanish educator at Dutch Fork High since 2007, she also taught at West Ashley High School (2004-2007) and Fairfield Central High (2003-2004). As advisor of the Spanish Club, she has afforded students ample opportunities to emphasize the practical application of Spanish beyond the classroom. In addition, she has assisted the district World Language teachers with incorporating iPad technology, has represented her school and district at various national conferences, and she serves as a mentor to new faculty. Gilreath earned her B.A. in Spanish at Columbia College and her M.Ed. at the College of Charleston.

Finalists were selected from nominees from across the state and were judged on innovation in teaching, initiative in Spanish curriculum development, extra-curricular activities related to teaching and professional development.

Del Mastro presented the winner with an award plaque, and the South Carolina Hispanic Leadership Council sponsored the $500 cash award. The runners up, Martha Gadsden of Berkeley High School in Moncks Corner and Chrystal Hepler of West Ashley High School in Charleston were recognized for their achievements and also received plaques during the evening awards ceremony. All three finalists received a one-night stay for two and breakfast the morning following the ceremony courtesy of the Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston.

For more information about the South Carolina Spanish Teacher of the Year program, visit the web site http://www.scspanishteacheroftheyear.org or contact Del Mastro at delmastromp@cofc.edu. Nomination information for the 2013 contest will be available online in February.