CLINTON, SC– On Wednesday, November 12, two teachers at Thornwell Charter School (Thornwell) 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. Terry Underwood (6th Grade) – $1,000
- Mr. Kevin Nix (High School) – $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.
“I focus on building relationships so that my kids will work hard,” said Mr. Nix. “These relationships are important because I can only do as much as they’ll let me do. My administrators have also contributed to a lot of the success because they trust me.”
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. Thornwell is one of eight Institute charter schools across the state to receive math performance bonus checks for their teachers.
“When we celebrate achievements like today, we know that it comes from a culture that must be built and supported,” said Mr. Norman Dover, Thornwell’s Executive Director. “From the top down, from Ms. Moore, our head of school, to our administrators – all of them. We have our reading coaches, instructional coaches, and interventionists. It takes a team across the building to have these kinds of results.”
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.
“Celebrating the exceptional math instruction of Ms. Underwood and Mr. Nix is truly a privilege,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Mike Sinclair. “Our teachers continue to push boundaries so our students can thrive.
Thornwell Charter School is a public, tuition-free charter school that serves students grades K5-12. Thornwell offers each student a personalized academic plan, an individualized health and wellness program, and a life skills program. The skills program stems from the Teaching Family Association, an evidence-based model that focuses on cognitive, relationships, strength-based behavioral models, and is culturally driven by excellence. Thornwell is authorized through the Charter Institute at Erskine.
For more information, visit www.thornwellcharterschool.org.
