GOOSE CREEK, SC – On Wednesday, November 12, three teachers at Mevers School of Excellence 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:
- Mr. Thomas Owens – $2,500
- Ms. Dena Philipps – $2,500
- Ms. Anna Wade – $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.
“This award is meaningful because it highlights the incredible work my students have done,” said Mr. Owens. “Their dedication, growth, and determination are what truly stand out. The improvement in their math scores shows how capable they are and how hard they’ve worked. I’m proud of them—their success is the real accomplishment here.
Ms. Philipps credits a lot of her students’ success to relationships.
“To me, relationships are the most important thing. It’s a way that you gain the students’ trust so that they want to learn even more,” said Ms. Philipps. “They want to come to school. When they see the growth, they’re able to believe in themselves, and then next year they’re able to grow even more.”
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. Mevers School of Excellence is one of eight Institute charter schools across the state to receive math performance bonus checks for their 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.
“One of our favorite things to do at the Institute is to celebrate the incredible teachers who are making a difference in their schools,” said Institute Superintendent of Schools Dr. Missy Brakefield. “These individuals work so hard and give their all to make sure that their students believe in themselves and see progress. It was an honor to travel to Mevers and visit with them today.”
Mevers School of Excellence is a tuition-free public charter school that serves students in grades K-8 in Goose Creek and surrounding communities. Mevers’ mission is to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to thrive in a global society and be competitive in life, college, and their chosen paths. The school’s curriculum and culture are based upon the “4A Model” which provides a balance approach that focuses on Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Activities. The school operates under the guidance and governance of the Berkeley Charter Education Association and is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine.
Mevers is accepting applications for a limited number of seats for the 2025-2026 school year. Learn more at www.mevers.org.
