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 EXTRAORDINARY 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.

----XX---