USC Aiken Professor Awarded Teaching Excellence Award
Aiken, SC (03/07/2022) — On Sunday, March 6, the South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education (SC-AMLE) awarded Dr. Deobrah McMurtrie the 2022 Dr. Jennifer L. Wilson Teaching Excellence Award at an annual conference in Myrtle Beach.
Dr. McMurtrie is an associate professor in the School of Education at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) and is co-coordinator of the Middle Level Education Program. She teaches courses in adolescent development, diversity, classroom management, curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Her research interests include interdisciplinary curriculum development and culturally responsive practice. She regularly presents at conferences and has published in state, national, and international journals. She has co-authored a book entitled "Our diverse middle school students: A guide to equitable and responsive teaching." Dr. McMurtrie's professional service includes serving on the board of the South Carolina Professors of Middle Level Education (SCPOMLE) and as editor of the South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education (SC-AMLE) Journal. She is a certified teacher with more than 25 years of teaching experience.
"Dr. McMurtrie is more than a deserving recipient of this award. She embodies the same characteristics as Dr. Wilson for whom the award was named. The middle level teacher candidates and alums of the School of Education have been the benefactors of her knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm, and passion regarding the middle level child and middle level education. We are privileged to have her on our team." said Dr. Judy Beck, dean of the School of Education at USC Aiken.
SC-AMLE established the Dr. Jennifer L. Wilson Teaching Excellence Award to honor the work of Dr. Wilson after her untimely death on August 20, 2011. She was an associate professor of middle level education and literacy at the University of South Carolina who was well known throughout the state and nation as a passionate teacher and a tireless advocate for young adolescent education. Dr. Wilson was a 2008-2009 Fulbright Scholar in Norway, director of the Santee-Wateree Writing Project, and founder of the non-profit organization, "A Chance Through Literacy." She served SC-AMLE as a journal editor and board member and was deeply engaged with the Middle Level Teacher Education Initiative (MLTEI). This award bearing her name recognizes the significant contributions of a classroom teacher, literacy leader, or teacher educator who has had a significant long-term impact on the advancement of middle level teaching excellence in South Carolina schools or colleges and universities in the area(s) of service, leadership, and/or research.
SC-AMLE is the only organization in the state that works to meet the unique networking and professional development needs of the middle level education specifically. The vision of the organization is to serve as the leading proponent for the education of young adolescents; to serve as an advocate for quality middle level education; promote public awareness and create support; and provide quality member services. Founded almost fifty years ago, the mission of the organization is to identify, promote, and disseminate best practices in middle level education, while engaging all parties responsible for meeting the unique needs of the young adolescent. With a diverse body of members statewide, the organization lives the mission and vision with passionate commitment. The annual conference takes place in March to honor Middle Level Education Month, and member services continue throughout the year.
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Dr. McMurtrie is an associate professor in the School of Education at the University of South Carolina Aiken and is co-coordinator of the Middle Level Education Program.
