A middle-school band director in Fort Mill who pushes his students to “invest in their personal best” was named the 2019–2020 District Teacher of the Year on Tuesday night.
(FMSD photo)
Brandon Sanders, director of bands at Pleasant Knoll Middle School, has worked in education for 13 years, joining the Fort Mill School District five years ago. He also worked at Springfield Middle School and Fort Mill High School before taking his current position at Pleasant Knoll Middle School.
Sugar Creek Technology Assistant Kim Deaton was selected as the 2019–2020 District Support Staff Employee of the Year.
The school district honored all teachers of the year and support staff from each school during the trustees meeting, announcing the winners to a packed crowd.
According to a press release, Sanders attributes his love of teaching to the impact of his fifth grade English teacher Mrs. Cozart whose actions and words triggered the drive to succeed.
“This teacher cared and sparked the focus to accept my military childhood, always try my best, and strive for success and passion,” said Sanders in his professional biography. “This awakened my heart to teaching and fed my desire to help others receive Mrs. Cozart’s same message through music. I yearned to be a caring teacher that motivated others to pursue their passions and invest in their personal best.”
For Mrs. Deaton, her role as a Technology Assistant plays a vital part in the daily education of students, a press release says. She provides support to the faculty, staff, parents and students by troubleshooting computers, smartboards, mobile devices and any other form of technology so that students and teachers can work seamlessly throughout the day. She also serves as the Sugar Creek Webmaster in addition to her daily duties.
“There is nothing more satisfying in the world than being able to help others,” Deaton said. “Spending the day solving problems for our staff, students and parents so that their days are a bit easier makes my job worthwhile.”