Congratulations to Brande Fanara - Runner-Up District Teacher of the Year (Boundary Street Elementary)!
"My favorite thing about working in education is the relationships and memories I make with my students.
"Boundary Street Elementary is my favorite thing about Newberry. Best School Ever!"
HOMETOWN: Prosperity
HIGH SCHOOL: Mid-Carolina High School
COLLEGE: University of South Carolina
YEARS IN EDUCATION: 8
YEARS IN NEWBERRY: 8
FAVORITE BOOK: Where the Red Fern Grows
HOBBIES: I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and being outdoors.
IF I WEREN’T A TEACHER...I would most likely be a Marketing and PR Director. That was my life prior to education, and I am sure I would still be working in that world.
FAVORITE TEACHERS: There were too many favorite teachers to pick just one. I remember Mrs. Mary Beth Richardson (MCHS) helping me over the phone during the evenings when I just could not grasp her math homework. I had a card table set up in my room, and we would go over math problems for hours. She taught me about dedication and perseverance. I had my mom, Mrs. Halfacre, in 4th grade. This taught me how important it is to treat everyone with non-biased fairness, because despite the sweltering Rikard summer heat, she would not point that oscillating fan towards me for anything. Growing up in Newberry County schools was impactful to my life in so many ways. I am hopeful to be half as impactful to my students as these teachers were to me. Thank you to the many wonderful teachers of the past and present.
FAVORITE TOPIC TO TEACH: I love to teach my students to be better readers. Seeing the sense of accomplishment and the pride they feel after reading something they once were unable to read is priceless.