樱花动漫

Five Richmond County School System (樱花动漫) teachers received surprising news during the middle of their school day when Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw, Superintendent of Schools, announced the top finalists for the annual Teacher of the Year award on Friday, August 9.

The 樱花动漫 Teacher of the Year finalists are Selema Clay, Deer Chase Elementary School; Beverly Franqui, Blythe Elementary School; LaQuandra Staley, C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School; Valarie Thomas, eSchool; and Juanita Walden, Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School (RCTCM).

Selema Clay is a Gifted program teacher and a member of the Deer Chase Elementary School leadership team who has been an 樱花动漫 educator for twelve years. Clay is the vice president of the Deer Chase Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and leads one of the school’s Professional Learning Clubs. During her career Clay has mentored several student teachers and received an i-Ready Growth Award in mathematics.

“For me, teaching is more than a profession. [Teaching] is a calling that resonates with my core values and passions for influencing lives, fostering personal growth, and igniting a love for learning in my students and peers,” says Clay. “I believe outstanding teachers are adaptable and reflective. They recognize each student is different, requiring tailored approaches to meet diverse learning styles and needs.”

Clay holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Paine College, a Master of Arts in education from Augusta University, and an Educational Specialist in advanced educational studies from Augusta University. She is pursuing a doctoral degree at Augusta University. Outside of the classroom, Clay enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, travelling, and watching sports like basketball and tennis.  

Beverly Franqui is a fifth-grade teacher at Blythe Elementary School who has worked in 樱花动漫 for her entire 20-year teaching career. As a veteran educator in our school system, Franqui says, “I decided to join 樱花动漫 because I wanted to contribute meaningfully to the community where I live with my family. I will continue to be a part of 樱花动漫 because it represents both my home and my future.”

Franqui is a four-time school-level Teacher of the Year who serves in several leadership and advisory roles in her school and community. She received an Outstanding Educator Award from the Richmond County Council of PTAs, an i-Ready Growth Award in reading, and multiple literacy awards throughout her career. 

“My approach involves teaching the whole child. Understanding that students' behavior and attitudes are often reflections of their environment and experiences, I strive to create a classroom atmosphere that promotes positive behavior and academic excellence. By addressing their social and emotional needs, I help students become more receptive to learning and personal growth,” said Franqui.

Franqui received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, a Master of Education in instruction, and Gifted and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) endorsements from Augusta University.

In her spare time, Franqui enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering for the Blythe STEAM club as a co-founding sponsor, participating in the Blythe Fever festival and parade, after-school tutoring, and engaging with her church community.

LaQuandra Staley is a second-grade Gifted teacher at C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School. Staley has been an educator for 20 years and has worked for 樱花动漫 for 12 years. She is a member of C.T. Walker’s instructional leadership team and coaches the school’s cheerleading team. During her time with 樱花动漫, she was named a Model Classroom Teacher by the Fundations Phonics program and received an i-Ready Growth Award for reading growth and proficiency.

Staley says, “The reward of teaching is witnessing the diversity of growth in your students and seeing evidence that the work you have committed to has made an impact. Seeing potential being unlocked, celebrating milestones, being surrounded by genuine love, and moments of laughter make teaching gratifying.” 

Staley holds an associate's degree in early childhood education from Augusta Technical College, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Argosy University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education from Augusta University.

Staley enjoys being the lead singer for a National Recording group called Bless-ed, hosting an annual Women’s Conference for her church, and facilitating a marriage ministry. She also volunteers with the Aiken County Recreation department as a cheer coach.

“It was always my desire to work in Public Education and when the opportunity presented itself to work in Richmond County, I jumped on board!", said Staley.

Valarie Thomas taught social sciences at the former eSchool virtual program during the 2023-2024 school year, where she was nominated for Teacher of the Year. Thomas is now a 10th and 11th grade U.S. History teacher at the Academy of Richmond County (ARC). She has been an educator for 12 years and has worked with 樱花动漫 for five years. Thomas was one of 60 teachers selected nationwide to attend the 2024 National Endowment for the Humanities Forever Wild Program. She also serves on the teacher advisory board for the National Museum for Civil and Human Rights and received several teaching fellowships throughout her career.

Thomas says, “Teaching, at its heart, is about forming connections and igniting curiosity. As an educator, my core belief is that every student matters; no one should feel insignificant or overlooked. This belief drives my approach to teaching, where I strive not just to educate but to engage and inspire.”

She received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master of Arts in Acquisition and Contract Administration from The University of West Florida.

“I joined 樱花动漫 because of its unwavering commitment to providing diverse, non-traditional learning opportunities for both students and educators. The supportive environment fostered by the administration and fellow educators has empowered me to explore innovative ideas and pursue professional development opportunities, such as fellowships and teaching institutes”, said Thomas.

In her spare time, she enjoys sponsoring student council and volunteering for Brown Girls Code. She serves as the Volunteer Service Chairperson for the Augusta Mini Theater, is the Youth Director at her church, and participates in the Membership Committee.

Juanita Walden is a Gifted- endorsed 8th-grade physical science and 9th-grade biology teacher at Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School (RCTCM). This is Walden's eighth year as an educator and seventh year teaching for 樱花动漫. She is a co-sponsor of the Middle School Makers Club (STEM), an advisor to the freshman class, and received a Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Innovative Teaching Mini-Grant at RCTCM. Walden serves as the professional development chairperson for Richmond County Association of Educators.

Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Walden stated, “I wholeheartedly believe in the power of building meaningful relationships with students. When there’s a foundation of mutual trust and respect, it creates an environment where learning flourishes.”

Walden holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a specialist degree in Advanced Educational Studies from Augusta University. In her spare time, she serves as Volunteer Service Chairperson at the Augusta Mini Theater, is a youth director at her church, participates in her sorority's membership committee, and volunteers at the Golden Harvest Food Bank. Outside the classroom Walden enjoys spending time with her husband and family.

“Reflecting on my own educational journey and the teachers who had profoundly impacted me, I realized the integral role educators play in shaping young minds and empowering future generations. The idea of contributing to students’ academic and personal growth resonated deeply with me, igniting a newfound sense of purpose and direction”, said Walden.

The 樱花动漫 Teacher of the Year will be named during a banquet on Thursday, September 19, at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center beginning at 7 p.m.