The Teachers Who Inspire



Describe your image

K2

K2
DSS Certified/
Alumna
Sara Pope
Reason for teaching: "I love to teach them new things and see their growth throughout the school year. I love the bonds that are created. I love to make a difference."

K2
DSS Certified
​
Elizabeth Brown
Reason for teaching: "I chose teaching because I love helping little ones learn and grow. There’s something so special about watching toddlers discover the world, build confidence, and hit new milestones. I enjoy creating a fun, loving environment where they feel safe, curious, and excited to learn every day."

K2 Assistant
DSS Certified
Winnie Fulton
Reason for teaching:

K3/ Preschool Director
DSS Certified
Sherry Collins
Reason for teaching:

K3
DSS Certified/ Alumna
Chloe Berry
Reason for teaching: "I have had a heart for little children ever since I was a child and would play babies and school with my baby dolls at home. They all hold a very special place in my heart and always will. I love getting to teach my little people every day about Jesus and watch them grow into the sweet little children they are. It is nothing sweeter than hearing my name being called whether it be from a student in the classroom needing me to help them or just passing a student in the hallway. I am very blessed to call Dorchester Academy 'home' and 'ONCE A RAIDER, ALWAYS A RAIDER'. "

K3 Assistant
DSS Certified
Kathy Shuler
Reason for teaching:

K3 Assistant
DSS Certified/ A.A. from Trident Technical College/ Alumna
Deb Bair
Reason for teaching: "I graduated from Dorchester Academy, as did my 3 children plus their 3 spouses. Now I have 5 grands attending so my heart is definitely in this school! I have subbed at DA for the past six years because I enjoy being around everyone’s children and helping them learn and grow."

K4
DSS Certified
Lana Padgett
Reason for teaching: "I love getting to help them learn, play, and grow not only as individuals, but also as a “family” of amazing human beings!

K4
DSS Certified/ Alumna
Nichole Goodman
Reason for teaching: "Being a preschool teacher is so much more than just a job, it’s a privilege to be a part of a child’s early life."

K5
BS from Charleston Southern University
Jessica Booker
Reason for teaching: "My love of children and to watch their faces light up when they realize they can read and write!

K5
Info coming soon
Melissa Byrd
Reason for teaching:

1st Grade
Info coming soon
Jennifer Weathers
Reason for teaching:

1st Grade
BA from the University of South Carolina/ Alumna
Sherry Brownlee
Reason for teaching: "I believe that all students have the ability to learn and succeed. I pride myself in providing opportunities to meet individual student needs in a safe and fair environment. Dorchester Academy provides me the freedom to teach about God as well as fundamentals to promote successful future leaders for our community and country."

2nd Grade
Info coming soon
Sandi Wimberly
Reason for teaching:

3rd Grade
Info coming soon
Jennafer Easterlin
Reason for teaching:

3rd Grade/ ELA
BA from the University of South Carolina/ MS from NOVA Southeastern University/ Alumna
Jennifer Berry
Reason for teaching: "I truly believe that teaching is what I was born to do! This is my 6th year of teaching at Dorchester Academy and my 21st year of teaching altogether...and it feels so good to be doing what I love to do "at home". Once A RAIDER, Always A RAIDER!"

4th Grade
BS from the University of South Carolina Aiken
Amber Donohue
Reason for teaching: "Dorchester Academy is such a special place filled with awesome kids and a great staff. I can't imagine teaching anywhere else."

4th Grade/ 5th Grade ELA
BA from Colorado Mesa University
Bailey Downey
Reason for teaching: "From a young age, I knew I wanted to teach. Inspired by exceptional teachers in my life and the teachers I read about in books, I always envisioned myself in a classroom. With a deep passion for reading and writing, I aim to share that love with my students, guiding them to discover their own potential and the transformative power of storytelling and self-expression. My greatest joy comes from showing students that they are capable, accepted, and deeply loved. I’m so grateful to have found Dorchester Academy, where I can foster this kind of learning environment and continue to support my students in the best way possible."

5th Grade/ SCISA Activities Director
BA/ Alumna
Robine Jackson
Reason for teaching: 'I love being around the children and their inquisitive minds. I love watching them discover something new on their own."

5th Grade
BA University of South Carolina-Aiken/ The Citadel/
Alumna
Gracie Lott
Reason for teaching: "I am thankful for the opportunity to return "home" to Dorchester Academy as an educator. Dorchester Academy stands on Christian values, an exceptional sense of school pride, and a faculty that is devoted to ensuring the success of every student. It is a special place that allows me to be present with my children and take an active role in their learning experiences."

Librarian/ Reading Interventionist/ Media Specialist
BA/ MS from the University of South Carolina/ Alumna
Becky Proctor
Reason for teaching: "My goal is to spark reading excitement by igniting a student's intrinsic motivation to read for enjoyment and satisfaction and to propel students to be effective and efficient finders and users of reliable information. My goal as reading interventionist is to work with students to improve their literacy skills by helping them to read and succeed."

Lower School Art/ Bible
BS/ MS/ DSS Certified
Vonne Knight
Reason for teaching: "Working with the students at Dorchester Academy is an absolute pleasure. I have been teaching for 40+ years. Most of these years have been at Dorchester Academy. Students respect and appreciate their teachers. I enjoy seeing their smiling faces each day. Dorchester Academy is home and there’s no place like home."

Music
Info coming soon
Jesse Crockcroft
Reason for teaching:

Middle and High School Math
BS from Baptist College of Charleston/ Alumna
Karen Ayer
Reason for teaching: "I graduated from Dorchester Academy and am very dedicated to seeing it succeed as a college preparatory school."

Middle School English
BA from the University of South Carolina/
Alumna
Rachel Chapiesky
Reason for teaching: "I have always believed that my calling in life was to become an educator. However, now that I’m teaching at Dorchester Academy, I know, without a doubt, that this is all apart of God’s plan and that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. I love getting to know each child, and I truly believe that building positive relationships with all students is crucial to both social and academic success in the classroom. Each student is unique, and I love watching them grow as writers with creative thoughts and ideas! As a Dorchester Academy Alumni, I have spent over half of my life in and around these “hallowed halls”, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to mold and shape the young minds of our future!"

Middle School Social Studies
BA from Brenau University
Treva Thomas
Reason for teaching: "I began substitute teaching six years ago. I realized quickly that I enjoy being in the classroom. I never imagined myself working in middle school, but I adore each of our middle schoolers. They make me smile every single day."

Middle School English/ Challenger Yearbook Advisor
BA from the College of Charleston/ Alumna
Julie McAlhany
Reason for teaching: "Dorchester Academy is home to me! As a Raider alumnus, parent, and now grandparent to my little third generation Raiders, I am especially thankful to be here, sharing my love of Reading and all things books with young readers, while also helping to compile a yearly history of our school and its students as I oversee the Challenger Yearbook Staff. Being able to combine all of this with my love of photography makes what I do here at Dorchester Academy more of a passion than a job!"

Middle School/ High School Spanish
BA Universidad de Carabobo, Venezuela
Erwin Mendez
Reason for teaching: "I teach to contribute to the personal growth of children and young people. Through learning Spanish, students gain knowledge of different cultures, broadening their understanding and appreciation of the world around them."

Middle School Art/ High School Art
BA from the University of South Carolina
Victoria Strang
Reason for teaching: "I teach because I love it! Specifically Art because it offers a unique way to inspire creativity, problem solving, confidence, and so much more. It is a blessing to share what I love doing with our young community!"

Middle School Religion/ High School Ethics
BA / M.S. from Charleston Southern University
Thomas Sandifer
Reason for teaching: "I love sharing the Gospel with the younger generation, helping them reflect on who God is and teaching them how to study the Bible. Talking about Jesus, His Word, and His teachings is my greatest passion. Through teaching, I aim to help others understand what Jesus has done for us, and, by God's grace, their eyes will be opened to His love. It’s my way of contributing to the Great Commission in Matthew 28. I find joy in witnessing the growth of their faith and their curiosity about God. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about witnessing God work in someone's life and seeing them be transformed through Jesus Christ."

Middle School Science
Info coming soon
Tabitha Rogers
Reason for teaching:

High School Math
BA from the University of South Carolina Beaufort/ Alumna
Ashlyn Evans
Reason for teaching: "I never imagined teaching would be for me. If you had asked me at the age of my students where I'd be in 15 years, Dorchester Academy wouldn’t have been on my radar. But here I am, and it feels like home. I’m so proud to work with teenagers at such a pivotal time in their lives – deciding on college, envisioning their future. Every day, I’m reminded that I’m part of their journey."

Computer
BS from the University of South Carolina
Rebecca "Becky" Smith
Reason for teaching: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." – Pablo Picasso
"From the time I was in sixth grade, I knew I wanted to teach. Growing up in a neighborhood filled with teachers, professors, and principals, I was surrounded by role models who nurtured my love for learning. Whenever they ordered new books, they would bring me a teacher’s edition and several student copies. Summers were my favorite—I’d turn our clubhouse into a classroom and hold school for the neighborhood kids. Even as a child, I was fortunate to have a clear vision of what I wanted to do in life. At age 50, I finally fulfilled that lifelong aspiration. My journey may not have been traditional, but it has been filled with purpose and joy."

PE/ Highschool Science/ Assistant Athletic Director
BS from Charleston Southern University
Nick Chinners
Reason for teaching: "My mom was a teacher. Watching the impact, she had and still has on her students so many years later inspired me to become a teacher/coach. I hope to impact the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of our students/athletes."

Highschool History/ Statistics/ Web Design
BS from the University of South Carolina/ Alumna
Ashley Zeigler
Reason for teaching: "After spending more than fifteen years in the medical field, I felt God calling me to a new purpose. That calling led me back home to Dorchester Academy. Being here, where I grew up, is both invigorating and exciting as I get to nourish and guide the young minds who will one day lead us. It is truly an honor and privilege to serve in this capacity at a place so close to my heart."

Highschool English
BA from Georgia State University
Jack Tunnel
Reason for teaching: "As someone who loves learning, literature, and the English language, I feel called to foster the same appreciation in the students of Dorchester Academy. While the study of English focuses on improving reading and writing skills, it is just as critical to assist students in developing a deeper understanding of the power of words and expanding their ability to analyze complex ideas. By guiding students in this process, I have the incredible opportunity and responsibility to help them become lifelong learners and deep thinkers as they journey through life."

Highschool Social Sciences/ Administration
BA University of South Carolina/ MA The Citadel/ Alumna
Heather Judy
Reason for teaching: "Teaching is the world’s most important construction project. Whether it be guiding a student through content or mentoring them about their after-school job, building them up with support from every angle is just as important as what was on my lesson plan that day."

Administrator, ProTeam Instructor, Director of Special Services
BA /MEd from the University of South Carolina/ EdD from Liberty/ Alumna
Michelle Sweatman
Reason for teaching: "Teaching has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Working with young people brings me joy that I cannot explain. Through teaching I found a passion for helping students with special needs. Administration was more like calling than a dream or passion, but I answered. Dorchester Academy has always been home to me. Getting to combine my dream, passion, calling and gifts in a place that has given so much to me, well I am just a truly blessed individual!"

Highschool Science
BS from Presbyterian College
Michael Nelson
Reason for teaching:

Highschool Science
Alumna
Cayce Collins
Reason for teaching: