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ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University alumnus Thomas Slater has been named one of five finalists for South Carolina 2022 Teacher of the Year.
Slater, director of choral activities at Chestnut Oaks Middle School in Sumter, graduated from SC State in 1986 with a degree in counselor education. He took several music classes at SC State and received his certification in Music Education-Choral in 1989 from the University of South Carolina with the help of the music professors at SC State.
He also received a master's in education administration from Grand Canyon University. He has served over 30 years in the classroom.
As a Teacher of the Year finalist, Slater received a $10,000 award from the South Carolina Department of Education. The state winner will be announced at the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Gala on May 4 in Columbia.
Slater recently took time to answer five questions for SC State:
1. What inspired you to become a music educator?
“Growing up as a child in rural South Carolina in the late 60’s and 70’s, my heroes were my parents and my teachers. At this time, teaching was considered a noble profession. My parents and all of my aunts were teachers as well as two of my siblings. My father was a principal, and my mother was a teacher. I was always in awe of how they carried themselves and how they showed genuine care and love for the students, myself included. My teachers were the no non-sense type of educators who made sure that we not only learned from the academic arena, but about real life as well. I was inspired by my High School Band Director. She was so full of life and made learning music fun but challenging. She proved to be a catalyst in my decision to become a music teacher.”
2. How did SC State help shape your role as teacher?
“During my time at SCSU, my top-notch teachers played a vital role in my teaching career. The nurturing attitude they displayed helped me during my teaching career as I tried to emulate what they portrayed as teachers. The camaraderie I felt as a student at SCSU impacted me greatly and inspired me to do my best. I had a sense of belonging. South Carolina State University instilled a sense of pride that I still feel today. This Bulldog pride encourages me to do my best in whatever endeavors I undertake. I am extremely grateful for all the nurturing, encouragement and positivity I received as a student.”
3. What is your fondest memory of SC State?
“My fondest memory of SCSU is the love I felt by all during my years there. The times spent in the dorms with my fellow Bulldogs were just great times. My brother (USC alum) would regularly visit me. He was always amazed at the camaraderie we had as students in a dorm. He would frequently tell me he did not experience that during his college years. I have fond memories of having such a great relationship with the faculty and staff. It was second to none. Years later when I would see them at athletic events, they would remember me. That is what the HBCU experience is all about. Of course, I definitely enjoyed all of the extra-curricular activities that were afforded to students.”
4. What inspires you to keep working with students?
“When I entered the world of teaching, I knew that I would not be rich. However, educators are richly rewarded in other ways. When I see former students and they tell me how I have impacted their lives and how music has helped them in other facets of their lives is really like silver and gold to me. Moments like this are the ones I cherish the most. Education is about giving students a chance to shine. You don’t know where it might lead them. Additionally, my reward comes when I see the look on my students’ faces when they have accomplished a difficult task and they are proud of their efforts. My greatest reward in this noble profession is seeing my students “SHINE”-carrying a light to share with the world. This inspires me to keep working with children.”
5. What does it mean to you to be selected as a finalist?
“All of this is still surreal to me. When I did the application, I never dreamed that I would be chosen as a finalist. Being named Teacher of the Year in Sumter School District and now a finalist for State Teacher of the year is what all teachers dream of. I thank God for the blessings bestowed upon me. If you would have told me 5 years ago, I would be where I am now, I would not have believed you. With this recognition, I am standing on the shoulders of great educators: my parents, Toney and Thelma Slater (who received their master’s degrees from SCSU), my family, and former teachers (K-12 and college) who all believed in me, encouraged and pushed me along the way.”
Slater had been named Sumter’s 2022 District Teacher of the Year in August. He also received that honor in 2009.
State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman surprised Slater on March 11 with news of his status as a 2022 finalist.
“Thomas' approach to teaching captures the spirit and passion of the best educators we have in South Carolina," Spearman said in a news release. "He prides himself on empowering students to reach beyond what they think they can accomplish, and high achievement is the result of this approach. For these reasons and more, we are honored to name Thomas a finalist for the state's top teacher award."
The statewide winner will receive a total of $25,000 and will be provided with a brand-new BMW to use while serving for one year as a roving ambassador providing mentoring, attending speaking engagements, working with Teacher Cadets and Teaching Fellows, leading the State Teacher Forum, and serving as the state spokesperson for over 50,000 educators.
The Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on the district, state, and national levels. The Teacher of the Year Awards not only assist in retention efforts but serve as a powerful recruitment tool to the educator profession. Tickets and sponsorship information for this year's Teacher of the Year Gala can be found at www.sceducationfoundation.com.
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Media Contact
Sam Watson
Public Information Officer
South Carolina State University
swatson2@scsu.edu
803-747-1223 (Cell)
About South Carolina State University
Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.
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