ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — As South Carolina struggles with teacher retention rates,
effective mentoring for current and future educators has become increasingly important.
Jessie Williams Little '73 and her husband, retired physician John Little (M.B.A.
'02), have created a new endowed award to honor the state's mentor teachers for their efforts.
The Littles have partnered with Winthrop University's Richard W. Riley College of Education and the James and Susan Rex Institute for Educational Renewal and Partnership to establish the Jessie Williams Little "Leading the Way" Endowed Award. The award will recognize a South Carolina educator who has made a significant impact as a mentor to future or beginning teachers.
Jessie, a 2005 College of Education retiree, said that she and John "share in the
belief that a strong education is important for success in life" as well as a key
component in the growth and vitality of South Carolina.
"Our hope is that this award will encourage more talented, experienced teachers to
serve as mentors and positive role models to aspiring and beginning educators," said
Jessie.
"Leading the Way" is open to public school teachers in South Carolina who are on continuing contract and serve as mentors in one or more of the following ways: