The South Carolina Teacher of the Year (TOY) is a program of the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) coordinated by the Office of Educator Services. The South Carolina TOY program annually identifies, recognizes, and celebrates exceptional teachers and their effective work in and outside the classroom. The teacher selected as South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year serves for one school year as a roving ambassador promoting the teaching profession and as the state spokesperson for over 60,000 educators.
South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE)
Overview
The SCDE oversees PK-12 public education in the state, the mission of the SCDE is to provide leadership and support so that all public education students graduate prepared for success. The agency works closely with students, parents, educators, staff, school districts, and government officials to facilitate the best possible education for South Carolina’s students. The SCDE established the South Carolina Education Foundation as a 501c3 nonprofit arm of the agency in order to facilitate private support for the annual Teacher of the Year Gala and other student and teacher recognition programs.
SCDE Role in the TOY Process
Teachers are nominated by South Carolina school districts for consideration as state Teacher of the Year. In addition to the application, interview, and selection processes, the SCDE coordinates the celebration events designed to recognize South Carolina’s outstanding educators. With help from volunteers, business and community representatives, the SCDE begins the planning process a year in advance to ensure that each teacher gets the recognition deserved. The Teacher of the Year celebration events include a Gala, and conclude the next day with the teachers being recognized in the SC House of Representatives and SC Senate.
Evers Montgomery
etmontgomery@ed.sc.gov
803-734-8301
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