Home News MARCH ROOKIE TEACHER OF THE BLOCK EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

MARCH ROOKIE TEACHER OF THE BLOCK EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

3/16/2022

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Westwood High School social studies teacher Patrick Quarters is “a steward of effective classroom instruction, the custodian of a warm and inviting classroom community, the learning partner that everyone wants to collaborate with, and the team member that will stand in any gap to ensure his school meets or exceeds school and district performance targets.” Westwood High School principal Robert Jackson wrote those words in his nomination of Quarters for the 2022 March Rookie Teacher of the Block (RTOB) award.

“Teaching, learning, and relationship building are at the heart of his work and it really resonates with his students and parents alike,” said Jackson.

Each day, Quarters says his goal as a first year teacher is to grow and develop as a professional and as an exemplary figure for his students. “This is a true privilege as an educator, and I feel thankful to be recognized not just by the District but also by the leadership at Westwood. I would not have achieved this award without support from both the veteran teachers in the Social Studies department and the administration/leadership team.”

Quarters holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of South Carolina.

The RTOB award is sponsored by H&R Block, a dedicated partner of Richland School District Two.
Winners receive a plaque to hang outside their door, a nameplate for the door, discounted tax preparation from H&R Block, a unique trophy designed by the 3D printing class at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2) Student Center, and a bag of Richland Two goodies from Human Resources. Each month a RTOB is chosen and then an overall winner, Rookie Teacher of the Year, is selected.