News Summary
Laurens County School District 55 honored educators Shaunta Harris and Diana Mani for achieving National Board Certification during a board meeting on January 27. This recognition highlights the commitment to excellence in education and the ongoing support provided to teachers in their certification journey. Both educators’ achievements showcase the district’s dedication to improving educational standards.
Big News in Laurens: School District 55 Celebrates Certified Teachers!
This week, Laurens came alive with celebration as Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) honored the incredible achievements of two remarkable educators during their school board meeting on January 27. The spotlight was on Shaunta Harris and Diana Mani, both of whom earned the prestigious title of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) in December 2025. This prestigious certification is a significant milestone in the teaching profession, often regarded as the highest recognition a teacher can achieve.
What Does National Board Certification Mean?
So, what’s all the fuss about National Board Certification? Well, it’s designed to celebrate and foster excellence in teaching. The process is no walk in the park; it involves completing a rigorous portfolio and gathering extensive data on teaching practices. This means teachers not only assess their own practices but also find ways to enhance student learning effectively. It’s a commitment to continual improvement in educational standards!
A Closer Look at the Honorees
Let’s dive into the achievements of these amazing educators. Shaunta Harris has been a dedicated fifth-grade teacher at LCSD 55 since she joined the district in 2013. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Erskine College and a Master of Arts in Reading from Grand Canyon University, Harris brings years of experience as both a paraprofessional and a certified educator. Her endorsements as a Gifted and Talented Educator and a Read to Succeed Literacy Teacher showcase her commitment to her students and their educational journey.
On the other hand, we have Diana Mani, who comes with a wealth of knowledge. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Master of Science in Physics specialized in Electronics, and a Master of Education from the University of Kerala in India. Mani has been shaping minds since 2007, teaching a variety of subjects including science, middle school math, and educational psychology and technology. After joining Laurens District 55 High School in 2017, she has made a significant impact as a Master Teacher under the Laurens Educators Achieving Results to Net Success (LEARNS) Grant.
The Support Behind Success
The journey to achieving National Board Certification is challenging, but neither Harris nor Mani took this path alone. Throughout their certification adventures, they were backed by the incredible support of the LCSD 55 Human Resources Department. This team provided essential resources and informational sessions that were crucial in helping these educators navigate through the sometimes complicated certification process.
Harris noted how significant mentor support was in her journey, especially from her district mentor and her administrator. Similarly, Mani appreciated the valuable cohort that helped her tackle the ups and downs of certification. Having the support of experienced professionals made a world of difference!
A Commitment to Excellence
Celebrating Harris and Mani not only highlights their achievements but also emphasizes LCSD 55’s commitment to improving educational standards in the district. By recognizing these accomplished educators, the district is investing in the future of education and fostering an environment where teachers and students can thrive together.
As Laurens continues to grow and adapt in the world of education, it’s heartening to see such dedication and excellence being recognized in its schools. Congratulations to Shaunta Harris and Diana Mani on their well-deserved accomplishments! Here’s to many more educators following in their footsteps.
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Additional Resources
- Laurens News: District 55 Celebrates New National Board Certified Teachers
- Laurens News: City of Laurens Hosting Town Hall Meetings
- SC Daily Gazette: Mismanagement and Overspending in SC School District
- WISTV: SC State Board Approves Policy to Ban Student Cellphone Use in Schools
- Laurens News: Last Week to Register for Upcoming Laurens Little League Season
- Wikipedia: National Board Certification
- Google Search: National Board Certification
- Google Scholar: National Board Certification
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Board Certification
- Google News: Laurens County School District 55
