Berkeley Leader

Berkeley County Middle College High School issued the following announcement on January 21.

As a second-grade teacher at Philip Simmons Elementary, Doretha Garland works to build a community within her classroom.

She particularly enjoys teaching social studies, and the second-grade curriculum focuses on the United States of America. Garland has a way of being able to take her social studies lessons and make them relatable to her students. She teaches them what the flag means, what the country's symbols are, the importance of recognizing those who serve their country, and more.

Something that is really important to Garland is helping her students understand service, and asking themselves the question: "What can (I) give?"

“You are part of a community, and so how can you support someone else?” she said.

Garland’s ongoing commitment to civic responsibility has earned her a very special award on the state level from the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars organization).

The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award was founded in 1899 to recognize teachers who stimulate interest in America’s history, traditions, Americanism, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism. The VFW is determined to identify and recognize America’s best educators, who instill a sense of national pride in students.

The VFW Department of South Carolina has recognized Garland as the first-place winner in the Elementary School Teacher category for the award. She will be celebrated at VFW Department of South Carolina’s upcoming Mid-Winter Conference in Columbia in February.

Garland has been teaching for over 30 years. She came to Philip Simmons Elementary the year it opened. She previously taught in the Columbia area before coming to Berkeley County. She studied early childhood education at Francis Marion University and received her Master’s in Elementary Education from Columbia College. She is National Board-certified and is currently in the Board’s Maintenance of Certification process.

She is a four-time Teacher of the Year recipient; she was Philip Simmons Elementary’s inaugural Teacher of the Year, going on to be a finalist for District Teacher of the Year. She also earned the title at three other elementary schools when she was still in Columbia.

Garland was nominated for the VFW award through three recommendation letters submitted by Philip Simmons High Principal Mike Huff and fellow teacher Tina McDonald, as well as another former teacher she worked with in Columbia.

Huff said Garland is a passionate teacher makes a lasting impact on her students, and that her instructional practices promote collaboration, communication, adaptability and critical thinking among her students.

"She encourages them to take initiative in their own learning and continually advocates for their success," he said. "In addition to her classroom instruction, Ms. Garland serves as a role model to her students by instilling in them a sense of community, compassion, and helping others."

Garland said she just loves America.

“I think we have so much to be thankful for, and I’m a huge reflector on moments,” she said, adding, “I try to empower my kids with…we are so fortunate to be living in the United States. We have so many things that are provided for us, and through our families.”

Garland said she was not aware of the VFW contest until she met her neighbor, Rex Brown, who is a veteran and serves as the Commander of VFW post 3137 on the Isle of Palms. Knowing how much Garland does for her students, Brown encouraged her to apply for the award. She won the local award last year. Garland subsequently won on the VFW District 1 level, and then recently found out she won on the state level. “I was surprised and honored,” she said.

VFW recognized Garland for her innovative teaching style over the course of her career. She has held mock elections and council meetings with her students to raise awareness about current events. She teaches the country’s constitution and has allowed her students to help create classroom rules. Prior to the pandemic, Garland was active in inviting veterans to participate in school Veterans Day programs.

Garland helps her students learn the meaning behind the words of The Pledge of Allegiance, and she has always had a soft spot for military families.

Earlier this year, all of second grade made cards for veterans, something that has always meant a lot to Garland throughout her teaching career.

“You never know how something like that is going to touch a veteran,” she said.

Ginger Graham, chair of the Teacher Award committee for the VFW Department of South Carolina, said the VFW places a lot of importance on civic responsibility, and they also try to regularly recognize those who are actively supporting their community’s needs.  

“During this pandemic, educators have played an essential role of educating and caring for our students, parents and community members,” Graham said. “Thank you to those who possess the never-ending desire to strengthen and develop the minds of the students who will one day fill the leadership roles in this great country.”

Original source can be found here.