FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2024
Clarendon County School District Teacher Wins PSTA Classroom Grant
New Zion, SC – August 20, 2024 – Clarendon County School District is proud to announce that Jessie Welch, an art teacher at Walker Gamble Elementary School, has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA) Classroom Grant. This marks the third year of the PSTA classroom grants, created as part of the Reinvesting in Our Members program. These grants are awarded annually to encourage and support PSTA members as they serve students across South Carolina.
Mr. Welch plans to use the grant to purchase Stroke and Coat Wonderglaze, which will enable him to teach multiple grade levels about the ceramic process and alternative surface treatments beyond traditional paint. Currently, only fifth-grade students at Walker Gamble Elementary have the opportunity to apply glaze to their work to make their wheel-thrown bowls safe for food consumption. The purchase of additional glaze will allow more students to create ceramic pieces.
On August 20th, PSTA Director of Teacher Leadership, Craig King, surprised Mr. Welch with the exciting news that his grant application had been chosen as a winner! Mr. King noted, "The grant committee was impressed by Mr. Welch’s commitment to providing advanced educational opportunities for his students."
Reflecting on the award, Mr. Welch shared, "I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. This grant will open new doors for my students to explore their creativity through ceramics. It’s exciting to think that more students will get the chance to see their ideas tangibly come to life."
Dr. Shawn L. Johnson, Superintendent of Clarendon County School District, also expressed his pride in Mr. Welch's achievement: "Mr. Welch’s dedication to enriching the educational experiences of his students is truly commendable. This grant will provide valuable resources that will enhance the art curriculum at Walker Gamble Elementary and inspire creativity across multiple grade levels. We are proud to have educators like Mr. Welch who go above and beyond to support and engage our students."
The Palmetto State Teachers Association is the largest professional education association for teachers in South Carolina. PSTA provides professional benefits to support its members throughout their careers in education. More information can be found at www.palmettoteachers.org.
Toni Chewning
Director of Association Activities tchewning@palmettoteachers.org
Craig King
Director of of Teacher Leadership
craigking@palmettoteachers.org
The printable version of the press release can be found HERE.
###