Meet Amy Carter: SC Teacher of the Year 2022

School District Five teacher named 2022 South Carolina Teacher of the Year

State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced tonight at the annual South Carolina Teacher of the Year Gala that Amy Carter, an English teacher at Chapin High School in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, is the 2022 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

“Amy’s leadership in and outside her classroom, and dedication to her students have uniquely qualified her for this prestigious honor,” said Superintendent Spearman. “I look forward to seeing her represent South Carolina’s over 55,000 teachers as she advocates for the profession over the next year.”

In her 21st year of teaching English to high school students, Amy has always sought to combine language and writing of authors and students with the powerful collaboration tools that technology offers. Amy’s teaching philosophy comes from Marianne Williamson’s urging to, “Let your light shine so that others may be granted permission to do the same.”

She uses literature as a basis for genuine connection with students of all ability levels ranging from grades 9-12 and uses that rapport to help them become readers, writers, and storytellers in their own right. With her most recent professional investment in the school’s Teacher Cadet program, Amy hopes to make an even greater impact as an advocate for public education by inspiring hopeful future educators that may one day become our colleagues.

“We are proud to have Mrs. Carter named the South Carolina Teacher of the Year and know that she represents the many exceptional teachers we have in our district and throughout the state,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Melton said. “With teaching experiences in several communities, she has used her relational approach to education to make lasting impacts and has demonstrated true leadership inside her classrooms and beyond. Congratulations, Mrs. Carter!”

As part of the state Teacher of the Year awards program, Amy will receive $25,000 and a brand new BMW for one year.

Considered one of the country’s strongest, the South Carolina Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on a district, state, and national level. These awards not only assist in retention efforts but serve as a powerful recruitment tool.

The South Carolina Teacher of the Year serves for one school year as a roving ambassador providing mentoring, attending speaking engagements, working with teacher cadets and teaching fellows, leading the State Teacher Forum, and serving as the state spokesperson for over 55,000 educators. Learn more about the Teacher of the Year program.