The Coaching Teacher Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who excel in their leadership of future educators. They serve as a guide and mentor while exemplifying the characteristics and qualities of exceptional educators.
Paul Duggan, Ph.D., Leaphardt Elementary School, School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties
Tim Fargino, While Knoll High School, Lexington School District One
Bethany Sanders, Dutch Fork High School, School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties
Paul Duggan, Ph.D.: Leaphart Elementary School
A fellow colleague wrote: Duggan “exemplifies excellence in elementary instructional coaching through his unwavering commitment to teacher growth, student achievement and the advancement of research-based instructional practices. He leads with impact. As a direct result of his coaching, his intern has learned how to elevate her instruction by implementing rigorous standards-based lessons that are highly engaging for students.”
Another colleague wrote: Duggan’s “influence extends well beyond his own classroom. The teacher candidates he mentors enter the profession equipped with strong instructional foundations, reflective habits and a clear sense of professional responsibility. His work contributes meaningfully to the development of a highly skilled, compassionate and effective teaching workforce.”
Bethany Sanders: Dutch Fork High School
A fellow colleague wrote: “What truly sets Ms. Sanders apart is her unwavering commitment to developing confident, reflective educators. She balances high expectations with authentic support, creating a safe yet challenging space for teacher candidates to practice, grow and refine their craft. Her classroom functions as a true model of clinical excellence where future teachers experience both the rigor and the heart of the profession.”
Another colleague wrote: “What distinguishes Bethany as an exceptional mentor is her multifaceted approach to intern support. She provides instructional coaching that balances constructive feedback with encouragement, models research-based practices, offers emotional support during challenging transitions, connects theory to practice in meaningful ways and advocates for interns' growth and success.”
Tim Fargino: White Knoll High School
A fellow colleague wrote: “I have spoken with several student teachers who have completed their placement under Mr. Fargino, and their testimonials are consistently glowing. They universally credit him with providing the most impactful professional development of their university experience. In every year that I have been with White Knoll High School we have considered or hired one of Mr. Fargino’s student teachers.”
A former intern wrote: “What I value most about Mr. Fargino is his honesty and commitment to professional growth. He does not shy away from providing constructive feedback, and his guidance is always grounded in a genuine investment in the success of his interns. As a strong-willed individual, I initially found this level of directness challenging, as I naively entered my internship believing I had everything figured out. Over time, however, I recognized the value of this approach. Mr. Fargino provides feedback that is direct yet respectful; his goal is not to change his interns, but to help them grow into the most effective educators they can be. His consistent guidance pushed me beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to refine my instructional practice, a quality that I believe defines truly outstanding mentors.”