Katherine Henderson considered leaving the teaching profession five years ago because of the job's demands.  She decided instead to switch schools and become an English teacher at West Ashley High, and on Tuesday her contributions to education were recognized with a prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award and its accompanying $25,000 prize.

"This is a tad overwhelming," a visibly stunned Henderson told a crowd of students and educators gathered for the surprise announcement.  Henderson, like everyone else, initially thought the assembly was about highlighting the school's focus on literacy. But state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex quickly revealed the real reason he was there.

After Rex announced her name, Henderson became pale and looked as if she might faint. She walked from her seat in the audience to the front of the gym, trembling and crying. She held the podium for support while making a short speech to accept the award, thank her principal for the opportunity to work at West Ashley High and explain why she almost left the teaching profession.  "... This is a job that takes a great deal out of you personally because you're giving and giving and giving, and it can be tiring, and oftentimes thankless -- except for today. Wow," Henderson said.

The photo at right shows Ms. Henderson, WAHS Principal Mary Runyon, CCSD Superintendent Nancy McGinley, and State Superintendent Jim Rex.

Educators are recommended for the award by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's education department.  Criteria for recognition include exceptional educational talent, outstanding accomplishments, long-range potential for leadership and an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and affects students, colleagues and the community.

More than 50 educators nationally will be surprised this month with the award, often called the "Oscars of teaching." One other South Carolina educator, Robert Ondere, who teaches algebra at Lugoff-Elgin High in Kershaw County, also received the award.  The most recent National Educator Award winner in Charleston County was North Charleston High teacher Rick Burkhart in 1999.

Henderson will join the country's other award recipients next spring in Los Angeles for the Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference, which includes three days of workshops, discussion sessions and presentations by nationally recognized scholars.

She can use the $25,000 any way she likes. She said she'll probably use it to pay down some of her student loans from earning her two master's degrees, one in English from the University of Florida and one Christmas will be a little easier now too, she said.in teaching secondary English from the University of South Carolina.

Henderson is a native of Columbia, a product of the state's public schools and a teacher for 12 years. At West Ashley High, she's credited with recruiting students from diverse backgrounds for Advanced Placement courses. Enrollment in her AP English class has skyrocketed from 10 to 69.  The National Board Certified teacher and head of the English Department also teaches classes to students who plan to go to work or pursue associate degrees after high school.

Melissa Parrish, who works in the district's teacher evaluation office, taught with Henderson at West Ashley High, and she said her former colleague encourages students to achieve beyond what they think they're capable of doing.  "She's not worried about whether they like her right away," Parrish said. "She earns their respect by challenging them. She pushes them to their full potential."

Principal Mary Runyon was the one who offered Henderson a job at West Ashley High. Runyon said she could see Henderson's ability to motivate those around her, and she thought she would be a good match for the school.  Runyon called her a dynamic teacher who understands curriculum and students.  "There's a charismatic energy about Katherine that flows into everything she touches," Runyon said.

Susan Haynsworth-Meissner, an English teacher who's worked alongside Henderson, said Henderson is the kind of teacher who wants the best for her students and will do anything she can to help them.She always prepares more than she needs for lessons, and she's a dedicated professional who puts in long hours for students, she said.  "She's just a real asset to the school," she said.

Copyright © 1995 - 2009 Evening Post Publishing Co..