South Carolina has five teacher of the year finalists. These two come from York County
Two of the five finalists for South Carolina Teacher of the Year work in York County schools.
State education superintendent Ellen Weaver visited both local finalists on Wednesday to make surprise announcements at school assemblies.
“Clearly there are great things happening in this corner of the state,” Weaver said.
Weaver started at Riverview Elementary School in Fort Mill where she honored literacy coach Mandy DeMeio.
Then Weaver went to Clover High School to tab fellow finalist Wayne Williams. He teaches engineering and mechatronics at the school’s Applied Technology Center.
In making those rounds Weaver said, two months into her role after election last fall, that honoring top teachers is a highlight of the job.
“We know that teachers are the No. 1 influencer of student learning,” Weaver said. “A great teacher is what makes all the difference.”
Of particular importance for state finalists, Weaver said, is that fellow teachers, staff members and administrators nominate them. Finalists stand out among peers and almost half of them coming from one county speaks highly of the education community in the area, Weaver said.
Each finalist receives a $10,000 check and will interview for the statewide Teacher of the Year title, which will be announced next month. That award comes with $25,000 and a new BMW for a year, and the winner will serve as spokesperson for more than 55,000 educators at various events.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to really elevate and celebrate the teaching profession in a meaningful way,” Weaver said.
In a district release, Clover superintendent Sheila Quinn said it’s a high compliment to Williams that so many students want to learn from him.
“Wayne Williams is currently working without a planning period because demand is so great to be in his class,” Quinn said. “He teaches four periods every day — without a break — so that he can interact with the students who wish to be in his engaging, hands-on classroom.”
Williams is in his ninth year teaching. Prior, Williams spent two decades in manufacturing and design.
Weaver calls Williams a shining example of the impact teachers can have on students.
With DeMeio, there’s another element.
“She’s a teacher of teachers,” Weaver said. “She is here teaching other teachers how to be effective.”
DeMeio helps young students read but also mentors young teachers. DeMeio has 18 years in education. DeMeio said her mother’s teaching career was an inspiration, as is the idea that any student can be a reader with the right book.
School- and district-level Teacher of the Year accolades leading up to the state one have given DeMeio an increased voice to advocate for education.
“We get to make a difference in children’s lives every day,” DeMeio. “Regardless of any socio-economic status, poverty, trauma. These students are here with us for seven hours a day and we get the chance to make an impact on them. To me that feels like the best job in the world.”
Along with fellow teachers, DeMeio credited students with much of her success. Likewise, Williams addressed students directly Wednesday afternoon and told them why he does what he does.
“Certainly never dreamed that anything like this was possible,” Williams said. “Never was a goal of mine. I just, I’m passionate about what I do and I want you guys to be passionate about what you’re doing.”
This story was originally published March 15, 2023 at 4:48 PM.
