Lexington 1 names Billue district teacher of the year

Sheryn D. Billue said “teachers aren’t in it for the income; they’re in it for the outcome.”

That’s a theme the Lexington High School teacher has sought to model in her 19 years in the classroom. And it’s one that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Billue was named Lexington 1 District Teacher of the Year during the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration earlier this year. The event honored outstanding teachers who exemplify a commitment and dedication to educating students.

Billue teaches AP statistics and international baccalaureate mathematics and has voiced support for innovative techniques to reach students.

“I am committed to continuous improvement, and I owe it to my students, as well as the community, to bring excellence, consistency, diligence and warmth to my job,” Billue wrote in her Teacher of the Year application.

Billue is noted for balancing a calm demeanor with high expectations.

“All her students know they can come (to class) early or stay late for extra help,” Lexington High principal Melissa Rawl said in her recommendation letter. “She puts in whatever time is necessary for all her students to learn and her car is often the last car in the parking lot when I leave.”

The results of such efforts have been evident. For the past two years, students in Billue’s Advanced Placement Statistics classes have achieved a 100 percent passage rate on the advanced placement exam administered by the College Board with Washington D.C.

“She builds excitement in her students,” Rawl said. “Because of this excitement, students have desired to pursue math outside of the classroom.”

Billue earned a bachelor of arts in geography from Georgia State University. She is certified in mathematics and advanced placement and endorsed in gifted and talented instuction. She also earned certified quality engineer and certified quality technician certifications from the Board of American Society for Quality.

Billue is a member of the American Statistics Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Mathematical Association of America, Palmetto State Teachers Association, and South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

She will compete in the state-level Teacher of the Year program in the coming year.

This story was originally published April 27, 2015 at 8:04 PM with the headline "Lexington 1 names Billue district teacher of the year."