Each year, South Carolina selects five finalists for State Teacher of the Year. These finalists are interviewed and videotaped as part of the final selection process. Their contributions are celebrated at the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Banquet. Honor Roll Teachers work closely with the SC Teacher of the Year to promote teacher leadership and advocacy throughout the year. 

South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver has announced the five finalists for the 2026 State Teacher of the Year. The distinguished educators are:

• Corey Bedenbaugh: New Lexington County School District Three

• Taylor Carvajal: South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind

• Miranda Grice: Lexington School District Four

• Terri Ivester: Anderson School District 3

• Jennifer Nelson: Hampton County School District
  
  The five Honor Roll Teachers were selected from over 80 District Teachers of the Year and will each receive $10,000. Lesson observations and interviews in front of a panel of judges will help determine who will be named the 2026 SC Teacher of the Year. That announcement will take place on Thursday, April 24th in Columbia.
  
  The winner will receive a total of $25,000 and a BMW to drive around the state as they serve a one-year residency at the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA). In this role, they will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession and chair the state's Teacher Forum.
  
  The 2026 winner follows the 2025 SC Teacher of the Year, Braden Wilson. Click here for more information about SC's Teacher of the Year program.