Faculty News

As important as the curriculum is, what is even more important is who is teaching the curriculum. The extraordinary level of achievement of our students may be attributed to the high level of expectations placed on students, as well as the support students receive from the faculty. With limited class sizes, teachers are able to take the time to really get to know and care about each student. The confidence the faculty has in our students encourages them to reach beyond their perceived limitations.

At Wilson Hall the process of education occurs in an atmosphere of genuine caring and support that comes from the mutual respect between our teacher and students. Our teachers encourage the best from their students, but they also give freely of themselves, even when they have to sacrifice their private time to do so. Our teachers stay after school each day to offer assistance to students or speak with parents, with many teachers having regularly scheduled tutoring or review sessions. Many of our faculty members serve as team coaches and club advisors, so it is not uncommon to see them on campus working long after school is dismissed.

Any curriculum is only as good as the person teaching it, and Wilson Hall has some of the best teachers in the region, as judged by the numerous commendations. In the S.C. Independent School Association’s annual teacher of the year competition, Wilson Hall has had more teachers receive recognition than any other school in the area. 

Since the school is fully accredited through AdvancED, the non-profit, non-governmental organization that accredits primary and secondary schools throughout the United States and internationally, all of our teachers are either certified or teach a majority of their courses in the area of their college major.

Wilson Hall has had 11 teachers named State Teacher of the Year by the S.C. Independent School Association, and 39 teachers have been among the top three finalists for the award during the 33-year old recognition program. 

Herlong & James Presented West Award

Mrs. Susie Herlong and Mrs. Frances James received the Margaret S. West Excellence in Teaching Award. Accompanying a plaque was a check from the West Foundation for $1,000. This award is presented to one lower school and one upper school faculty member who exhibits excellence in teaching through interest and enthusiasm of the subject matter, and who shows genuine compassion for his or her students. The financial contribution is given to the recipients in honor of their active interest in learning.

Mrs. Herlong, who completed her 14th year at Wilson Hall, teaches 6th grade and 8th grade literature. Mrs. James, who has taught at Wilson Hall for 15 years, teaches 5th grade history and science and serves as the varsity cheerleading advisor. 
 

Talley Named Asst. Head of School of the Year

Congratulations to Mr. Eddie Talley, who was named the Assistant Head of School of the Year by the South Carolina Independent School Association, a prestigious honor awarded among the organization’s 132 member schools. Remarkably, this is the second time Mr. Talley has received this distinction, having first earned the award in 2021. Now in his 31st year at Wilson Hall, Mr. Talley continues to make a lasting impact as Assistant Head of School, Head of Lower School, and economics teacher, exemplifying dedication, leadership, and excellence in education.

Faculty Attends Literacy Conference

Continuing to enhance their teaching skills through professional development, nine members of the faculty attended the Palmetto State Literacy Association (PSLA) Annual Conference for three days in Hilton Head. The conference served as a dynamic professional learning opportunity, uniting educators at all levels to share insights and strategies for refining literacy practices. Reflecting PSLA’s commitment to promoting literacy through improved reading, writing, and communication instruction, the event underscored the belief that literacy is a lifelong tool for learning. Among the speakers was Lindsay Kemeny, a dedicated teacher, speaker, author, and podcast co-host known for her passion for literacy and the practical application of research, while international literacy consultant and author Matt Glover offered valuable perspectives on nurturing writers of all ages, early reading, oral language composition, and supporting children’s intellectual development. This enriching experience aligns with Wilson Hall’s commitment to providing continuous learning opportunities for its faculty, ensuring that professional growth remains at the forefront of their educational mission.

The following faculty members attended the conference: Mrs. Lynn Davis (2nd), Mrs. Anne Gratz (3rd), Mrs. Valerie James (Preschool 3), Mrs. Amy Jones (Kindergarten), Mrs. Hayes Jones (Librarian), Mrs. Stacey Reaves (Head of Upper School), Mrs. Sande Tisdale (5th), Mrs. Holly Williamson (Reading Specialist), and Mrs. Megan Zimmerman (4th). 

Burleson & Busch State Teacher of the Year Finalists

Wilson Hall is proud to announce that two of our teachers, Mrs. Laura Burleson and Mrs. Mindy Busch, are among the nine finalists for the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Teacher of the Year award. After being elected by their peers, they entered the state-level contest by submitting an essay, resume, and recommendations from colleagues and administrators. A panel of educators selected the top three finalists for each division from submissions statewide. There are 120 schools that are members of SCISA. Mrs. Burleson, who teaches 6th and 8th-grade history, has taught at Wilson Hall for three years, while Mrs. Busch, a kindergarten teacher, is in her sixth year. 

Warren Receives Volunteer of the Year Award

Mr. Scott Warren received the Charles J. Beach Volunteer of the Year Award at the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Fall Teachers’ Conference. He received the award in recognition of his decades of service to the association, such as serving as the moderator for the high school and middle school regional and state quiz bowl competitions since 2000. Mr. Warren has also moderated regional spelling bees since 1999 and the state spelling bees since 2013. He organized the first two SCISA state chess tournaments, and he has been a faculty presenter at 14 SCISA State Teachers’ Conferences.

Mr. Warren teaches French I, II and III, Advanced Placement French Language, and Advanced Placement Music Theory. He serves as the director of the Instrumental Ensemble, is the advisor and accompanist for the high school and middle school SCISA State Music Festival, and he is the coordinator for the high school SCISA Choral Clinic. Mr. Warren also serves as the advisor for the National Honor Society. 

This marks the fourth time Wilson Hall has received the Beach Award. SCISA is a non-profit, voluntary association of 147 independent schools that serve more than 37,000 teachers and students. Founded in 1965, the state of South Carolina incorporated SCISA as an exclusively educational organization with the responsibilities of establishing accreditation standards, coordinating academic and athletic competition, and providing professional development for member organizations.

Teachers of the Year

The following were selected as the Teachers of the Year by their peers: High School - Mrs. Lori Brown (history), Middle School - Mrs. Laura Burleson (history), and Lower School - Mrs. Mindy Busch (kindergarten).