Terri Ivester Named Finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year

News Summary

In Anderson, Terri Ivester, a reading coach at Starr Elementary, was surprised with a $10,000 check for being named a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year. Engaging a class of kindergarteners at the time, her achievement reflects her dedication to education. The stakes are even higher, as the winner will receive a total of $35,000 in prizes and a new BMW. Ivester’s nomination highlights the school’s legacy of excellence in teaching.

Starr Elementary’s Terri Ivester Shines as Finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year

In the charming city of Anderson, a remarkable event unfolded at Starr Elementary School this past Tuesday. Terri Ivester, a dedicated reading coach, was caught in a delightful surprise while reading to a group of eager kindergarten students in Ryleigh Gates’ class. Little did she know, this day was destined to be unforgettable!

As she engaged the young minds with enchanting stories, South Carolina Superintendent of Education, Ellen Weaver, ambled into the classroom with some exciting news. To everyone’s astonishment, Weaver presented Ivester with a big check for $10,000! This was not just any check; it celebrated Ivester being named the third finalist out of five for the prestigious title of South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Surprise and Celebration in the Classroom

The atmosphere was electric as the children cheered, their faces lighting up with joy when they learned about Ivester’s fantastic achievement and the substantial financial award she received. Besides the $10,000, Ivester is now in the running for an even larger prize; if crowned the Teacher of the Year, she’d take home an additional $25,000!

This charming incident reflects Ivester’s unwavering commitment to education. She has cherished the dream of being a teacher from an early age and pours her heart into her work. This passion and dedication are what make her such a beloved figure at Starr Elementary and beyond.

A Legacy of Excellence

What’s even more remarkable is that Starr Elementary has a history of outstanding educators. The school proudly remembers Jeffrey Maxey, who took home the 2019 South Carolina Teacher of the Year title. He was honored by former Superintendent Molly Spearman in May 2018, further solidifying the school’s reputation for excellence in education.

The excitement doesn’t stop here! The announcement of Ivester as a finalist adds to the litany of honors awarded to teachers from the region. Earlier this month, the second finalist, Taylor Carvajal from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, was revealed. And before that, Miranda Grice from Lexington 4 Early Childhood Education was the first finalist announced on March 7.

Recognizing Excellence in Education

The South Carolina Teacher of the Year program is an initiative spearheaded by the Office of Educator Services with the goal of recognizing and celebrating extraordinary teachers in the state. This program does not just highlight individual achievements; it elevates the teaching profession as a whole. The chosen Teacher of the Year becomes a spokesperson for over 60,000 educators across South Carolina, advocating for the value and importance of teaching in our communities.

Looking back at last year, Braden Wilson, an eighth-grade history teacher in Anderson School District One, held the coveted title. He left behind a legacy that this year’s finalists are now carrying forth.

Anticipation Builds for the Final Announcement

As the anticipation builds, the announcement of the South Carolina Teacher of the Year will take place in April during a grand celebration in Columbia. The ultimate winner will not only secure the title but also drive home in style for a year with a shiny new BMW. Moreover, they will receive that eye-catching $25,000 prize!

For now, though, all eyes are on Ivester as she ventures forward in her journey. With her love for teaching brightening the lives of young learners, she stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration not just for her students but for fellow educators across the state!

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Additional Resources

• Independent Mail: Teacher Surprise at Starr Elementary
• CPS Schools: Latest Education News
• Fox Carolina: Teacher Arrested on Stalking Charges
• WSPA: Anderson County Teacher Charged
• WIS TV: SC Teacher of the Year Announcement
• Wikipedia: South Carolina Teacher of the Year
• Google Search: South Carolina Education News
• Google Scholar: Education Excellence
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• Google News: Teacher Recognition

Author: HERE Lexington