ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – A middle school English teacher in Kershaw adds a new achievement to her list of accomplishments: she is the 2025 Jessie Williams Little “Leading the Way” Award recipient.
Jodie Kahler, an eighth grade English 1 teacher at North Central Middle School in the Kershaw County School District, was selected due to her teaching and mentoring skills for new and seasoned educators. As this year’s award winner, Kahler receives $2,800 and a banner to display at her school.
Melissa Smith of North Central Elementary School wrote that Kahler manages a demanding set of teaching responsibilities, teaching English 1 to advanced eighth grade students and serving as the ProTEAM teacher to encourage students to consider careers in education. Kahler has served as an induction facilitator for the district’s 89 new middle school teachers. Additionally, as the district’s mentor trainer coordinator, she has trained and supported at least 196 new mentors. “Mrs. Kahler has a profound impact on both current and future educators, shaping the careers of countless teachers through her mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support,” Smith wrote.
The Jessie Williams Little “Leading the Way” Award was created in 2018 and is presented by Winthrop University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences. This recognition initiative stems from a collaboration between John and Jessie Williams Little ’73 and the James and Susan Rex Institute for Educational Renewal and Partnership.
Bettie Parsons Barger, associate dean for education partnership and preparation, said the college is proud of the exceptional teachers who shape the profession’s future. “Whether a teacher cadet instructor, a mentor to college students learning to teach for the first time, beginning teacher mentors, or those teacher mentors who just naturally support anyone who needs it -- these are the positive role models on which we hang the hope of recruiting and retaining the best and the brightest in education,” she said.
Other teachers who were nominated are recognized within two levels of achievement. Those selected as Distinguished Achievement and awarded $1,000 are:
Sandra Cannon, Teacher Cadet instructor at West Ashley High School in the Charleston County School District. Nominator Patrick Martin wrote that Cannon’s advocacy, leadership and ability to empower teachers and students ensure her impact extends far beyond her immediate classroom.
Bekah Gilliam, English teacher and Teacher Cadet instructor at Spring Hill High School in the Lexington-Richland District 5. In the nomination, Sara Kimberline wrote that Gilliam trains between 15-25 Teacher Cadet students annually in the topics of child development, educational psychology, learning foundations and instructional methodologies, and spends time with students in K-8 field placements. “She is always wise and fair, willing to listen, and maintains objectivity while still having a big heart for students and for the educational world,” Kimberline said.
Sarah Michael, literacy interventionist at Red Cedar Elementary in the Beaufort County School District. According to Stephanie Moldenhauer, “One of Mrs. Michael’s most remarkable achievements was mentoring three consecutive interns who all secured teaching positions at her school after completing their internships. She continued to mentor two of them throughout their induction and formal evaluation years.” As one mentee testified: “Sarah is a beacon of guidance and inspiration, offering unwavering positivity while sharing the realities of teaching with honesty and grace.”
Chosen as Honorable Mentions and given $750 are:
Erica Becker, Teacher Cadet instructor at Lucy Beckham High School in the Charleston County School District. Whitney Windsor wrote that Erica Becker is the perfect teacher for Teacher Cadets because she has a zest and passion for teaching and learning. “She loves to connect with students on a personal level and develop a rapport with them,” Windsor said. “She practices what she preaches - you can find her teaching about how to craft the perfect lesson to her Teacher Cadet students in the morning, then exhibiting that through her engaging Spanish classes in the afternoon.”
Jennifer Gaston, reading interventionist at Chester Park School of Inquiry in the Chester County School District. According to Angela Woodard, Gaston not only helps new teachers with professional responsibilities, she also helps them manage basic life needs such as housing, daycare needs and transportation. “She goes above and beyond her responsibilities as a mentor,” Woodard wrote. “She spends a great deal of her personal time helping new teachers. She is committed to their professional growth by routinely observing and providing feedback as well as co-teaching with them to improve their instruction.”
Ginger Lewis Jacobs, professor for Teacher Cadet and ProTEAM at the Academy for Careers and Technology in the Marion County School District. Michael Stone wrote: “Dr. Jacobs teaches Teacher Cadet courses and has served as a state certified mentor for Induction teachers for the last 11 years,” he said. “She recruits from the top 20% of junior and senior classes to share with them both the curriculum and the art of teaching. She provides a safe listener role and is the face of a positive advisor.”
James Whitlock, third grade gifted and talented teacher at Riverview Elementary School in the Fort Mill School District. As a Carolina CAP mentor, Whitlock supports alternative licensure teachers, providing individualized guidance in classroom management, lesson planning and instructional strategies. “He has a profound positive impact on new induction teachers by fostering strong relationships, creating a supportive environment and helping them build confidence as they navigate the early stages of their careers,” said nominator Darleen Rominck.
If you would like to contribute to the recognition of excellent teachers and mentors, please consider a gift to the Jessie Williams Little “Leading the Way” Fund through the Winthrop University Foundation.
