South Carolina Future Minds, Innovation for Public Education

 

Janna Buff, who teaches in the third grade academy at James Simons Elementary, was nominated for recognition by the Charleston Jaycees. The award honors a young man or woman between the ages of 18 and 40 who has made the greatest contribution to the teaching or education profession or is the most effective classroom teacher in the state.

 

Buff is a graduate of Charleston Southern University and was named Outstanding Elementary Educator as an undergraduate. She was chosen as Simons Elementary’s Rookie Teacher of the Year for 2007-08 based on her outstanding efforts and results in increasing students’ reading abilities.

 

During the 2008-09 school year, Buff was in the top 10 percent of teachers in Charleston County based on her students’ growth in reading and math. The third grade academy program combines the top reading teachers in the district with the lowest achieving students in order to provide intense reading instruction for improved academic achievement.

 

Buff also led a “Reading with Realtors” program that recruited 40 local volunteers to read with students weekly, and she has taken an active role on several school committees.

“Janna is one of the most dedicated and caring individuals in our school.  She is constantly volunteering her time and energy to support efforts that affect our student body,” said Simons principal Lynn Owings. “I have never met a more involved young teacher in all my years as a principal.  I am honored to have her as a teacher in my school.”