Charleston Currents

BRACK: Now is the time to thank a South Carolina teacher

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | The letter from my daughter’s longtime piano teacher gave a start.

“After being in the classroom for 31 years and working with children and youth for another nine-plus years, I have decided to retire at the end of this year,” wrote Debra Benson, who teaches at Charleston County School of the Arts (SOA). “As one of my colleagues said, ‘I have never worked as hard as I do at SOA’ but every minute has been rewarding because of the students we serve.”

For six years, Mrs. Benson has been a steady influence, a reassuring fixture in our family’s life. It’s hard to imagine her not being at SOA during my daughter’s senior year.

by Andy Brack · 04/19/2021 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

NEW for 4/19: Maritime forest at polls; Thank a teacher; New bridge

IN THIS EDITION
FOCUS: Maritime forest looms large in Sullivan’s Island election
COMMENTARY, Brack: Now is the time to thank a South Carolina teacher
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
NEWS BRIEFS: Feedback sought on Ashley River bike/pedestrian bridge
FEEDBACK: Send us your thoughts
MYSTERY PHOTO: Not the Citadel
CALENDAR: Dill Sanctuary offers Birding Day April 24

by Andy Brack · 04/19/2021 · Comments are Disabled · Full issue

BRACK: Pay our teachers better

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | This should be a no-brainer for state legislators: If you want to have better teachers, you have to provide a better salary.

South Carolina has been failing its teachers, students and parents for years. Over the last eight years, the General Assembly has steered $4 billion less to public education than state law requires. If you want to know why we keep showing up at the bottom, trying to get education on the cheap is the biggest reason of all.