Mollie Soto, a Spanish teacher from Hartsville High School, was named Darlington County's Outstanding First Year Teacher during Monday night's board meeting.
Soto is a graduate of Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology and Francis Marion University. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and she currently teaches Spanish at Hartsville High School.
As the District Outstanding First Year Teacher, Soto will be a member of the Darlington County Leadership Council and the Darlington County Teacher Forum.
"Ms. Soto is an imaginative thinker, and this approach to lesson planning creates a learning environment in her classroom that is unique and compelling for her students. They look forward to going to Spanish class because they know it is going to be different, interesting and exciting," wrote Dr. Charlie Burry, principal of Hartsville High School. "Her classroom management skills are effective because they are so much a part of a natural teaching style that engages her students."
Soto uses authentic materials in her classroom. These materials, along with accounts of her extensive travels in Spanish-speaking countries, allow Soto to impart a real-world approach to her lessons. To that end, Soto will serve as an English teacher in Costa Rica this summer as part of a cultural exchange program. She is extremely excited to share this experience with her students. "I believe culture is not learned, but experienced," wrote Soto in her application. "I want my students to leave my class with a love for language or at least a spark in their hearts to consider studying a language in college. I love to travel to foreign places, learn, teach, and share memories with those around me."
Soto was one of seven teachers nominated this year for the Outstanding First Year Teacher award. First-year teachers are nominated by their principals for the honor.
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