The Jessie W. Little “Leading the Way” Award, established in honor of Jessie W. Little
(Winthrop class of ’73), serves to recognize those mentor teachers who offer crucial
support and guidance to new and future educators. Mentor teachers play an important
role in the Teacher Education Program at Winthrop University as well as in the South
Carolina ADEPT process for first-year teachers.
There are a variety of public school teachers who fill the role of a mentor. To be considered for this award, teachers must be a formal mentor to beginning or veteran teachers, be a mentor teacher for pre-service teacher candidates in field experiences and/or student teaching, or be a teacher cadet instructor. Nominees must have been in the classroom for at least three years.
In addition, most mentor teachers who receive this award work in high-needs schools and positively impact diverse student populations.
This award is a partnership between the Littles and the James and Susan Rex Institute for Educational Renewal and Partnership. The chosen recipient receives $2,500 cash and is inducted into a collaborative group of mentor teacher leaders working to improve education for the state of South Carolina.
Congratulations to our 2021 and 2022 semi-finalists, finalists, and award winners!
