Home News TWO DISTRICT EMPLOYEES AWARDED EXCELLENCE IN EQUITY AWARDS

TWO DISTRICT EMPLOYEES AWARDED EXCELLENCE IN EQUITY AWARDS

11/15/2022

The American Consortium for Equity in Education has selected two employees of Jackson Creek Elementary School in Richland School District Two as winners in its Excellence in Equity awards program. Principal Dr. Sabina Mosso-Taylor is a winner in the Champion of Equity – School Leadership category. Fifth-grade teacher Valente’ Gibson is a winner in the Champion of Equity – General Education Teacher category.

According to officials with the consortium, reviewers noted Dr. Mosso-Taylor’s ability to motivate teachers to be themselves and successfully relate to students, which has improved their reading and writing skills. They also commended the variety of ways in which Gibson has supported his students, which all starts with building strong relationships. Gibson, a respected leader in his school and community, was also the 2021-2022 Richland Two District Teacher of the Year.

“I am beyond excited and honored to have received this award. It illuminates the great work and collective efforts towards equity and culturally relevant teaching happening at Jackson Creek Elementary. This award is a wonderful celebration of that work,” Dr. Mosso-Taylor said.

Dr. Mosso-Taylor and Gibson have been working together at Jackson Creek since the school opened in August 2017.

“I’m truly humbled to receive this award and appreciative of the American Consortium for Equity in Education for celebrating equitable opportunities for all students. Each day, I strive to build on my student’s strengths and the wealth of knowledge they bring to the classroom to foster their academic success. I’m grateful that this award highlights this life-changing work to create and sustain equitable classroom and school environments,” Gibson said.

The awards come with an array of benefits and recognitions, including professional development resources and e-books provided courtesy of awards program publishing partner Times 10 Publications; guest invitations to EduTalk Radio, the consortium’s flagship podcast; an opportunity to write an article for Access & Equity K-12 Journal and social media spotlights.

Jackson Creek is located at 7150 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia, SC 29223.