Gilbert High School science teacher finalist for state award

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Gilbert High School science teacher Dani Stroud has been selected as one of five finalists for the S.C. Teacher of the Year award.

Stroud received a bachelor’s in chemistry and biochemistry from the College of Charleston before earning a master’s in teaching chemistry at the University of South Carolina.

“Dani grew up thinking she was going to be a doctor, but it turns out, her calling to impact the lives of others was meant to be inside the classroom,” S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said in a news release. “She is a model educator who inspires her students to think beyond the classroom as she prepares them for the next step after graduation.”

Spearman surprised Stroud with the announcement and a check for $10,000 on Wednesday at the Lexington County District One school. Stroud moves on to the next round of competition, which will include an interview with a team of expert judges.

The winner, to be announced at a May gala in Columbia, receives $25,000 and use of a new BMW for a year of travel as a roving education ambassador.

“Dani Stroud approaches each day with an understanding that teaching is both a science and an art,” Greg Little, Lexington County School District One Superintendent, said. “As she teaches, she examines what worked yesterday and makes changes, when needed, to improve student outcomes. As she encourages her students to look at the world through those same eyes, the eyes of a scientist, she teaches them to use logic and evidence to make decisions. Yet, she is still a compassionate, intelligent, and devoted teacher, who believes all students deserve to have someone believe in them, nurture their talents and give them the space to be heard and valued.”