At the top of her class

Winning a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award says Katherine Henderson is one of the best teachers in the country.

Her plan to use some of her $25,000 winnings to pay down loans she took out while earning two master's degrees begins to tell why. Mrs. Henderson, an English teacher at West Ashley High School, has a master's in English and one in teaching English to secondary schools. And those who work with her say she is not just well educated, she is dedicated to her students, inspirational, dynamic and energetic.

The Milken Family Foundation looks for all those qualities. To win a Milken award, a teacher must have achieved exceptional results in the classroom and beyond. Winners are in the early or middle stages of their teaching careers with promise of long-term leadership. They are "engaging and inspiring" but work out of the limelight.

Mrs. Henderson has taught for 12 years and seems to be a one-person answer to some of the district's problems.

An English teacher, she challenges the school's strongest students. She encourages uncertain students to push harder and has increased enrollment in her Advanced Placement classes from 10 to 69. And she teaches students who plan to begin work after high school or to seek associate degrees.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that differences in teachers make huge differences for students. In particular, a teacher's own education and teaching style are extremely important.

South Carolina needs exceptional teachers who achieve exceptional results.

For both her education and her teaching ability and style, Mrs. Henderson deserves not just that Milken Award but an A+ -- and our community's appreciation.