S 1181

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 1181
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A concurrent RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MELINDA POUNDER OF JENNIE
MOORE ELEMENTARY IN MOUNT PLEASANT AND TO CONGRATULATE HER UPON BEING CHOSEN AS
AN EXTRA ORDINARY EDUCATOR BY CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES.
Whereas, the South
Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Curriculum Associates has
named Melinda Pounder to its nationwide 2026 class of Extraordinary Educators;
and
Whereas, the
Extraordinary Educators award recognizes educators who exhibit best-in-class
use of i-Ready and/or Ready and who illustrate growth and achievement via
formal assessments, demonstrate innovation and engagement practices for
students, are evangelists for high standards and student achievement, and have
been teaching for at least two years; and
Whereas, now in her
fourteenth year of teaching, Ms. Pounder teaches at Jennie Moore Elementary
School in Mount Pleasant; and
Whereas, in addition to
her classroom duties, Ms. Pounder serves as grade-level lead and as a member of
the School Improvement Council, where she facilitates team meetings,
coordinates curriculum planning, and supports colleagues in implementing best
practices; and
Whereas, Ms. Pounder
earned a master's degree in educational leadership from The Citadel, where she
developed her expertise in data analysis and equity-focused strategies to
promote student growth; and
Whereas, beyond the
classroom, Ms. Pounder enjoys spending time with her elementary-aged children,
drawing inspiration from them to remain personally invested in the success of
her students and school community; and
Whereas, Melinda is
guided by the principle of creating equity for her students by identifying
potential barriers, providing targeted support, and personalizing instruction
to meet each student's specific needs. By using data alongside a deep
understanding of her students, she advocates for their success through her
leadership position and fosters an inclusive classroom environment in which all
students can thrive; and
Whereas, founded in
1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC, designs research-based print and online
instructional materials, assessments, and data-management tools. Today, the
company's programs are used in three-quarters of the state's school districts;
and
Whereas, the annual
program celebrates and connects exemplary teachers from around the country.
This year's recipients are among twenty-five teachers from thirteen states
chosen for this honor; and
Whereas, Ms. Pounder
will have access to a network of peers across the country with whom she can
collaborate and connect and from whom she can learn throughout 2026. She will
also receive unique professional development opportunities from Curriculum
Associates. Along with other honorees, she will be invited to participate and
present at the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit, as well as other
professional learning events throughout the year; and
Whereas, the General
Assembly is deeply grateful to the fine cadre of teachers across the Palmetto
State who, like Melinda Pounder, exemplify excellence in educating our young
people. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the
Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the
South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor
Melinda Pounder of Jennie Moore Elementary in Mount Pleasant and congratulate
her upon being chosen as an Extraordinary Educator by Curriculum Associates.
Be it further resolved that
a copy of this resolution be presented to Melinda Pounder.
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This web page was last updated on May 14, 2026 at 01:54 PM