USA Today Award Winners
Patsy Wood Smith, a fifth grade language arts and science teacher at Holly Springs Elementary School in Pickens, has earned a coveted spot on the eighth annual All-USA Teacher Team-USA TODAY's recognition program for outstanding teachers. Only 20 teachers are selected nationwide. Patsy Wood Smith will receive a trophy and $500. Her school will receive a $2,000 award.
"USA TODAY is pleased to recognize the achievements of some of the nation's finest teachers," USA TODAY Editor Ken Paulson says. "Their collective work, inspiring and educating the next generation, is a testament to their remarkable creativity, passion and commitment."
Ms. Smith's classes have won three consecutive national Kids Are Authors contests and received three honorable mentions. She uses class discussion to allow each student to share thoughts and keeps her students moving in large and small groups. Reading lessons in Ms. Smith's class resemble book clubs in which kids relate what they're reading to their own lives. Her students consistently outperform district and statewide testing averages. Colleague, friend, and nominator Jane Chastain says, "Patsy pulls every speck of talent and determination to the forefront." Look for an extended article about Ms. Smith in USA TODAY in the year ahead. Congratulations!
Timothy Bunch, an English Teacher at the Department of Juvenile Justice and Connie Christy, a music teacher at Horry County's Aynor Elementary School were named to 2004 USA TODAY's All-USA Teacher Team.
 |  Timothy Bunch |
 Connie Christy |