Awards Programs

Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards: As an important part of the education accountability system in South Carolina, the Awards program is designed to recognize and reward schools for attaining high levels of absolute performance, for attaining high rates of growth, and for making substantial progress in closing the achievement gap between disaggregated groups.

National Blue Ribbon Schools Program: The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes outstanding public and non-public schools. In identifying several hundred outstanding schools annually, the program celebrates school excellence, turn around stories, and closing subgroup achievement gaps.

Milken Educator Awards: Founded in 1985 as an initiative of the Milken Family Foundation, the Milken Educator Awards program rewards and inspires excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country with $25,000 unrestricted awards. Not an accolade for “lifetime achievement” or the proverbial gold watch at the exit door, the Milken Educator Awards targets early-to-mid career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.

SC Teacher of the Year: South Carolina's Teacher of the Year receives a $25,000 cash award and a new BMW to use for one year. He or she also participates in a one-year residency program at the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement (CERRA) and serves as a statewide ambassador for the profession. Five finalists are chosen annually by a panel of educators and private citizens.