​Congratulations to Braden Wilson, the 2025 SC Teacher of the Year! 

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver announced this honor at the annual South Carolina Teacher of the Year Gala, which took place on April 25, 2024, on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, South Carolina. This event celebrated public education in S.C. and hosted district Teachers of the Year, legislators, business leaders, and community members to acknowledge the importance of the teaching profession.

As the winner of the competition, Braden receives $25,000 and is provided with a brand-new BMW to use while serving for one year as a roving ambassador. She will provide mentoring, attend speaking engagements, work with Teacher Cadets and Teaching Fellows, lead the State Teacher Forum, and serve as the state spokesperson for over 55,000 educators. In addition to her ambassador duties, Braden will serve a one-year residency with the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA). She will also move forward to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year. 

The Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on the district, state, and national levels. The Teacher of the Year Awards not only assist in retention efforts but will serve as a powerful recruitment tool for the education profession.