Columbia Celebrates a Passionate Educator: Joseph Bell Named Teacher of the Year

Columbia Celebrates a Passionate Educator: Joseph Bell Named Teacher of the Year

In the vibrant city of Columbia, exciting news has taken the educational community by storm! Joseph Bell, an inspiring teacher at Pine Grove Elementary School, has been honored as Richland One’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Growing up in the small town of Salley, South Carolina, Joseph always had a heart for teaching, much of it inspired by family members who worked in education.

A Non-Traditional Path to Teaching

While most might follow a straightforward path into teaching, Joseph’s journey was anything but ordinary. He kicked off his career by working at various child development centers for six years after completing high school. His big break came while he was working as a pre-kindergarten teacher at Columbia’s Center for Learning. A chance conversation with a parent who happened to be a school counselor led him to an opportunity in Richland One.

“I was looking for something different, and she told me about a long-term substitute position that had just opened up,” Joseph recalls. “That was a pivotal moment. I felt like Richland One was calling me.”

Growing and Evolving as an Educator

After stepping into Richland One as a long-term substitute at Arden Elementary School in 2019, Joseph achieved his bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University in 2021 and quickly got his teaching certification. He then took on a third-grade teaching role at Pine Grove Elementary for the 2022-2023 academic year, moving up with his students to fourth grade. This year, he is diving into new waters, teaching 24 second-grade advanced academic programs (AAP) students.

“I’m all about challenges and trying new things, and I think this new grade will really help me grow as an educator,” he shares enthusiastically.

Creating a Fun and Interactive Learning Environment

One of the highlights of Joseph’s teaching philosophy is the joy he feels when his students learn something new or share their newfound knowledge at home. “When kids come back and tell me they taught their parents a math strategy I showed them, it’s like a dream come true! It means I’m making a difference,” he smiles.

Joseph is not just a typical teacher who stands in front of the classroom. He brings creativity into his lessons, such as last year when his fourth graders created podcast episodes about different English Language Arts strategies. “It was such a hit! Our fourth-grade team and the whole school got to listen to their amazing work!” he beams.

Being a Role Model for Young Boys

At Pine Grove, Joseph has made it a mission to provide students, especially young boys, with positive male role models. He initiated the “Real Men Read” event, where community volunteers, including the superintendent, come in to read to the students. “Our kids don’t see a lot of male teachers, and it’s important for them to have that exposure,” Joseph explains.

He is also a mentor in the Premier Pandas program, guiding young boys in grades three to five on how to be constructive influences in their communities. “Teaching them to handle their feelings and conflicts without resorting to anger is crucial,” says Joseph. “I want to be someone they can trust and confide in.”

Leadership on the Horizon

Joseph’s ambitions don’t stop at teaching. This year, he’s also stepping into a leadership role as the second-grade team lead teacher. He is set to earn his master’s degree in education administration from the University of South Carolina by December. “We’re all a family at Pine Grove. We share laughs, support each other, and work hard to ensure our kids receive the best education possible,” he says.

Joseph Bell is a true gem in the Columbia educational community. With his innovative teaching methods, passion for mentoring, and dedication to his students, he is set to inspire truly for years to come. Hats off to Joseph Bell, our Teacher of the Year!