Midlands school administrators recognized for passion, excellence
The University of South Carolina’s College of Education recently honored three Midlands area school administrators for their extraordinary commitment to students, their communities and the education profession. Sabina Mosso-Taylor, Jessie Williams and Cassandra Paschal received the Outstanding Community Partners awards at the college’s homecoming celebration on Nov. 1. Education faculty nominated educators based on their community involvement as well as their willingness to advocate for the field of education.
Sabina Mosso-Taylor is the principal of Jackson Creek Elementary. She was honored for implementing numerous initiatives that honor the histories and cultures of her students including hosting a Hispanic Heritage Celebration and partnering with the College of Education to offer professional development in culturally relevant teaching practices for all teachers. Mosso-Taylor also built partnerships with community organizations such as the United Way and the Midlands Reading Consortium in an effort to further support her students. A United Way grant recently funded a behavior interventionist and social worker for kindergarten students.
Jessie Williams, a Gamecock alumnus, is a 25-year educator and assistant principal of Pontiac Elementary School. He organized two mentoring programs, Distinguished Young Gentlemen and Sophisticated Young Ladies, aimed at teaching important life skills to fifth grade girls and boys and creating practical opportunities to apply these skills in their school and surrounding community. Williams also serves as the director of the South Carolina Jurisdiction COGIC Scholastic Motivation Ministries, which are designed to help students shine academically while furthering their faith.
Cassy Paschal, the principal of Irmo Middle School, is a graduate of the Educational Leadership and Policies program at South Carolina. She is an advocate for all students. She stresses an “open-door policy” which has created an school atmosphere where students are welcomed in the principal's office and encouraged to share their thoughts about classroom instruction or every day struggles. Paschal also supports many of the university’s pre-service teachers who conduct their student teaching at Irmo Middle School, and she mentors administrative interns who are preparing for roles in education leadership. Also, Paschal created an opportunity for volunteers from Gateway Baptist Church to come to her school to create on outdoor science classroom and greenhouse for students.