ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – A sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher in Anderson County has been named the 2026 Jessie Williams Little “Leading the Way” Award recipient. The award is presented by Winthrop University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences.
Jennifer Anderson, a sixth-grade teacher at Palmetto Middle School in Anderson School District One, was selected for her exceptional teaching and transformative mentorship of both current and future educators. As this year’s award winner, Anderson will receive $10,000 and a banner to display at her school.
Anderson is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing instructional excellence and supporting educators at all stages of their careers. She provides mentorship to a wide range of individuals, including beginning teachers, veteran educators, Teach for America candidates, practicum students and student teachers. Her work extends beyond her classroom, where she has developed district-wide instructional tools and facilitated collaboration among middle school educators to strengthen curriculum alignment and student outcomes.
Her nominator noted that Anderson’s impact is both immediate and lasting. “She is amazing to watch in action,” the nominator wrote. “She provides honest, supportive feedback and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure both teachers and students succeed.” One example of her dedication includes co-teaching with a struggling teacher for an entire semester, modeling instruction and building that teacher’s confidence and effectiveness.
Anderson’s influence reaches beyond her school and district. She has contributed to statewide initiatives, including facilitating the S.C. Third Grade Retention Guidance Document and co-designing dyslexia training modules for educators. She also serves as an adjunct professor and continues to support teacher development across the state.
The Jessie Williams Little “Leading the Way” Award recognition is made possible through a partnership between John and Jessie Williams Little ’73 and the James and Susan Rex Institute for Educational Renewal and Partnership.
Bettie Parsons Barger, associate dean for educator partnerships and preparation, said that Winthrop is proud to recognize educators who strengthen the profession through mentorship and leadership. “Whether supporting teacher cadets, mentoring beginning teachers, or guiding colleagues through everyday challenges, these educators are essential to recruiting and retaining the next generation of teachers,” she said. “They represent the very best of our profession.”
Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients ($3,500):
The following educators were recognized for Distinguished Achievement:
• Judy Griggs, literacy coach in Anderson School District One, strengthens instruction across grade levels through comprehensive coaching, professional learning and mentor development. Griggs supports teachers through modeling lessons, co-teaching and guiding data-driven instruction, helping educators refine their practice and improve student outcomes. She leads professional development in reading, writing and foundational literacy skills, facilitates collaborative learning through PLCs and book studies, and trains mentors across the district. Her work extends to direct student support and family engagement, ensuring that literacy growth is reinforced both in and beyond the classroom. With more than 25 years of experience, including service in Title I schools, Griggs has played a key role in improving literacy achievement while fostering teacher confidence, retention and long-term professional growth.
• Cheryl Woodard, kindergarten teacher at Van Wyck Elementary School in the Lancaster County School District, is recognized for her mentorship, instructional leadership and advocacy that have strengthened both current and future educators. Woodard models high-quality instruction in a structured, supportive classroom environment while providing thoughtful coaching and practical strategies to new teachers. She offers consistent, personalized guidance in areas such as lesson planning, classroom management and data-informed instruction, helping educators build confidence and develop strong professional identities. Her mentorship fosters resilience, reflection and long-term success, contributing to improved teacher retention and a positive school culture. With experience in high-need settings, Woodard is deeply committed to equitable and inclusive practices, ensuring all students are supported and all educators are equipped to meet diverse learning needs. A former District Teacher of the Year and participant in the STAR Retreat, she is also an active advocate for the teaching profession at the local and state levels.
For more information, including how to support the “Leading the Way” initiative, contact Bettie Parsons Barger, associate dean for educator partnerships and preparation, at bargerbp@winthrop.edu.
