Marshall Wins State Earth Science Award

Each year, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) names an outstanding earth science teacher from each state to receive a special award. The 2009 winner for South Carolina is McDonald Elementary's Derenda Marshall. Marshall received both a plaque and two checks at the award ceremony of the South Carolina Earth Science Teachers Association (SCESTA) held November 6, at the South Carolina Science Council Convention in Myrtle Beach.
Marshall has taught science for 24 years. Currently she is the science specialist at McDonald where she works with students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
For earth science lessons, Marshall concentrates on environmental topics and is a strong proponent of field experiences for all children.
Marshall is heavily involved with the state science teachers association, serving this year as Vice-President.
She has achieved National Board Certification as well as numerous teaching awards, including ‘Georgetown County District Teacher of the Year’ and ‘South Carolina Project Learning Tree Teacher of the Year’. Also this year, Marshall was a top-five finalist for state Teacher of the Year.