BELTON, SC – On Wednesday, November 12, two teachers at Belton Preparatory Academy received Math Performance Bonuses from their authorizer, the Charter Institute at Erskine, for achieving significant student academic growth on SC READY math scores.
The following teachers were recognized for their excellence in math classroom instruction:
- Ms. Ashley Smith – $1,000
- Ms. Amanda Denbroeder – $1,000
Their hard work, passion for teaching math, and commitment to their students were celebrated in front of the school’s administration, faculty, and student body in a surprise presentation of the award.
When asked about what has helped her students find success, Ms. Smith shared the importance of explanation and reassurance.
“A lot of times we teach kids the tricks and those don’t always work,” said Ms. Smith. “They need to know why, and they want to understand how it works. Then, just telling them how much you believe in them and convincing them that math is not hard and math is not scary.”
Ms. Denbroeder, who was in her first year of teaching during the 2024-2025 school year, spoke on the success she experienced so early in her teaching career and reflected on the importance of setting expectations for her students.
“What motivates me to challenge myself and my students is seeing how much they can grow when they’re challenged. I have just been so happy with how much everyone can grow when I hold them to a high standard.”
The Math Performance Bonus initiative recognizes Institute charter school teachers from across the state who met or exceeded added value growth targets of 3.5 or higher in math on SC READY during the 2024-2025 school year.
Belton Preparatory Academy is one of eight Institute charter schools across the state to receive math performance bonus checks for their teachers.
BPA Principal, Ms. Deirdre McCullough, believes that these awards will make their school even stronger.
“At BPA we always say we can do hard things. We always say we’re striving for excellence, not perfection,” said Ms. McCullough. “This is a great opportunity for our students to see a role model, an adult, who’s put what we teach them into practice and is now being rewarded for it.”
Facilitating success in math instruction is one of the three pillars of the Institute’s $1.75 million Success Agenda. The Math pillar of the agenda includes the performance bonuses as well as global research on math instruction with the goal of raising statewide math assessment scores.
“It was so special to have the opportunity to celebrate Ms. Smith and Ms. Denbroeder,” said Institute Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bill Roach. “They are both incredible educators who are making a huge impact on the children they serve every day.”
Belton Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school serving students in grades 5K–8 in Belton, SC. Offering a rigorous classical education, BPA partners with families to create a challenging and nurturing learning environment where every child can thrive. Its mission is to provide each student with the intellectual tools to become an independent thinker, a respectful individual, and a valuable citizen prepared to compete and excel in a 21st-century global economy.
For more information about Belton Preparatory Academy, or to enroll your child, visit www.beltonprep.us.
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