The South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education (SCAMLE) announced award recipients for 2025. These awards are presented to practitioners in South Carolina including preservice teachers, outstanding projects, and distinguished service.
Gamecock EdQuarters Executive Director, Chris Burkett, Ed.D., is the 2025 Dr. Jennifer Wilson Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. Award recipients across the state were nominated by their peers for their dedication to middle level education.
“Each of these recipients exemplifies the best of middle level education through their support of adolescent learners,” SCAMLE President, Jeff Jenkins, says. “While there were many nominations, each winner truly embodies the spirit of our work to provide an excellent education to all students, supporting their social/emotional needs and ensuring that their classrooms and schools are places where kids thrive.”
Recipients will be recognized as part of the 49th Annual SCAMLE Conference from February 28 through March 2, 2025 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
About the Dr. Jennifer Wilson Excellence in Teaching Award:
The South Carolina Association of Middle Level Education established the Dr. Jennifer L. Wilson Teaching Excellence Award to honor the work of Dr. Wilson after her untimely death on August 28,2011. Dr. Wilson was an associate professor of middle level education and literacy at the University of South Carolina who was well known throughout the state and nation as a passionate teacher and a tireless advocate for young adolescent education.
Dr. Wilson was a 2008-2009 Fulbright scholar in Norway, director of the Santee-Wateree Writing Project, and founder of the nonprofit organization "A Chance through Literacy." She served the SC-AM LE as editor of the SC-AMLE Journal and as a board member, and she was actively involved in the work of the Middle Level Teacher Education Initiative sponsored by the SC-AMLE. The Dr. Jennifer L. Wilson Teaching Excellence Award recognizes significant contributions of a classroom teacher, literacy leader, or teacher educator who has had a significant long-term impact on the advancement of middle level teaching excellence in South Carolina schools or colleges and universities. The contribution may be in service, leadership, and/or research.
About SCAMLE:
SCAMLE is the only professional organization in South Carolina with a focus on middle grades schools, teachers and students. With well over 225 member schools, the association’s mission is to ensure all middle level educators are provided with strong support and opportunities for growth and development. Established in 1976, SCAMLE is a nonprofit organization and affiliate of the national Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE).