GREENWOOD, SC – On Wednesday, November 12, a teacher at Greenwood Charter Academy (Greenwood) received a Math Performance Bonus from the school’s authorizer, the Charter Institute at Erskine (Institute), for achieving significant student academic growth on SC READY math scores.
Ms. Kristen Haigler, a 6th grade teacher, earned $1,000 in recognition of her excellence in math classroom instruction. Her hard work, passion for teaching math, and commitment to her students were celebrated in front of the school’s administration, faculty and student body in a surprise presentation of the award.
A long-time educator, Ms. Haigler shared that the keys to her students’ consistent growth are “keeping a routine with the kids, meeting them at their level, and working to bring them up where they need to be.”
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. Greenwood Charter Academy is one of eight Institute charter schools across the state to receive math performance bonus checks for their teachers.
“The fact that one of the celebrated teachers came from Greenwood Charter Academy is a true honor,” said Greenwood Principal, Ms. Kristen Mobley. “I hope that this inspires other teachers.”
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.
“Ms. Haigler is an experienced teacher who is skilled, passionate, and has truly taken the time to understand what works best for her students,” said Institute Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bill Roach. “She is a shining example of what it can look like when we, as a state, master teaching math.”
Greenwood Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school that serves students in grades 4K-8. Greenwood prioritizes their students’ personal and academic success by prioritizing initiatives like a no-homework policy, daily art, music, and PE, and individualized support for every student. Greenwood is managed by Tutelage School Solutions and authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine.
For more information about GCA, visit www.gcharter.education/.
