Charleston Teacher Recognized as Classroom Champion for Helping Students Build Their Own Libraries

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A Charleston educator is being recognized for his efforts to help students take ownership of their learning by giving them something they can carry long after leaving the classroom.

Teaching Beyond the Digital World

Austin Lassiter, a history and social studies teacher at Charleston Charter School for Math and Science, has been teaching for nearly eight years. He says one of the best parts of working in a smaller school is the strong connections he builds with his students.

“I teach almost all of the kids I coach,” said Lassiter, who also leads the school’s soccer team. “One of the best things of being in a small school is how well you get to know the students.”

While digital learning tools are growing, Lassiter prefers to keep some lessons traditional. “Just as everything around us gets more and more digitized, the power of having a book in your hand and turning the pages is a good life skill,” he explained.

A Classroom Tradition

Lassiter has developed a unique practice for his students: allowing them to keep the books they study once the course ends. “The kids that take that course, they get to keep the books after the course is over,” he said. “So, they can dog-ear the pages, annotate, highlight, underline, write in the margins — whatever they want.”

For Lassiter, this approach helps students take ownership of their education. “I think something of taking ownership of their learning and having it be theirs is nice. And for a lot of them, they get to start to build their own libraries.”

Helping Students Make Their Own History

The teacher is now working to supply his newest class with a fresh set of history books. But with 20 students and multiple titles needed, he acknowledges the cost is significant. “They’re not cheap books,” he noted.

Community members can support Lassiter’s project through DonorsChoose, which ensures donations go directly toward the requested classroom items.

Recognition as a Classroom Champion

Lassiter was highlighted by Live 5 News’ Classroom Champions program, which honors educators across the Lowcountry who make a lasting impact on their students’ lives.

For Lassiter, the goal is simple: to help students not only learn history but also start writing their own.

Do you know a Charleston-area teacher who deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond? Share your stories with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.