Braden Wilson was named the South Carolina Teacher of the Year at last week’s “Gala in the Garden” on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion. In addition to $25,000 and use of a new BMW, she will receive a more enduring prize: a no-cost graduate degree from the USC College of Education. The added benefit eliminates cost as a barrier to advanced degrees for the state’s top educator.

 

Why it matters: The South Carolina Teacher of the Year serves as ambassador for the profession and state spokesperson for more than 64,000 educators.

• The college’s mission to promote access and innovation.
• Its nationally ranked graduate education program offers 36 degrees. 
• Programs in STEM Education, Learning Design and Technology and Physical Education meet the challenges current educators face. 

The College of Education’s flagship mission to serve all South Carolinians combined with the ambassadorship of South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year presents a winning partnership. The college hopes this opportunity demonstrates its commitment to educators throughout the state.

 

What they’re saying: “We want our state’s educators to know we celebrate their work and contributions to our society,” says Dean Thomas Hodges. “Their success is a rising tide for our communities, and we want to partner in their continued achievements. Our goal is to elevate the voices of educators and their work.”