Darlington County School District awards scholarships to employees seeking teacher certification
The Darlington County School District awarded 10 scholarships this year to current employees working toward initial teaching certification. Each of the recipients earned a $1,250 scholarship to help pay for their tuition. Those recipients are Philip Barr, India Dargan, Tarrilynn Ferguson, Keegan Franklin, Tameka Ham, Alycia Lee, Latresa Lizana, Dominique Pearce, Nicki Spears and Leonita Williams.
The scholarship program is available to current employees in the district who are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program for teaching certification. This year, 10 DCSD employees each earned a $1,250 scholarship to help pay for their tuition. Those future teachers also signed contracts to stay in the district for at least two years as part of the scholarship program.
Dr. Tim Newman, DCSD superintendent, said the scholarship program is a vital tool for the district to use when it comes to growing talent from within the district and bolstering recruitment efforts.
“We have extremely talented personnel working in Darlington County School District, and it is crucial that we assist those looking to become teachers here,” Newman said. “The difficulties in recruiting and retaining teachers not only here in Darlington County but also across the state are well-documented. We must continue to be creative in our efforts to ensure the futures of our children.”
The scholarship recipients are:
· Philip Barr
· India Dargan
· Tarrilynn Ferguson
· Keegan Franklin
· Tameka Ham
· Alycia Lee
· Latresa Lizana
· Dominique Pearce
· Nicki Spears
· Leonita Williams
Along with a simple application process, eligibility for the scholarship program requires that a classified employee must:
· Be a current employee and have worked at least one full year in DCSD
· Be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program for initial teaching certification
· Intend to obtain teacher certification and teach in DCSD
· Agree to remain in DCSD for two years after receiving the scholarship
For more information please contact the Office of Communications at 843-398-2284.