News Releases

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is teaming up with the national nonprofit Let Grow to launch a groundbreaking statewide initiative.

Free, nutritious meals are being served once again this summer to South Carolina children and teens age 18 and under. Hundreds of local sites across the state are now open and participating in the Summer Break Café (SBC) or Seamless Summer Option (SSO) programs.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) announced the appointment of Dr. Abbey Duggins as its next Chief Academic Officer and Deputy Superintendent of College, Career, and Military Readiness, effective June 17, 2025. 

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver released the following statement after the House gave final approval to H.3196 this week. The legislation is known as the Educator Assistance Act.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) celebrated the appointment of Dr. Matthew Ferguson, Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer, as the next Superintendent of Darlington County School District, effective July 1, 2025.

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver announced Thursday that Corey Bedenbaugh, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School, has been named the 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) announced the new schools that will be participating in the Strategic Compensation Pilot Grants, awarding $5 million to 37 schools across 29 districts for their commitment to accelerating student growth in English Language Arts (ELA) and math.

Learning is about curiosity, problem-solving, and discovery—and Jennifer Nelson works alongside students and teachers at Hampton County High School to develop not just content knowledge, but a bank of skills they can apply in any setting. Her passion for STEM education and now instructional coaching has made her a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Teaching wasn’t always Corey Bedenbaugh’s plan—he once considered becoming a lawyer. But after realizing the profound influence his own teachers had on his life, he changed course. Today, as an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School, he is making that same impact on his students. Now, he’s a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year. 

For Terri Ivester, reading is more than a skill—it’s a gateway to opportunity. As a Reading Coach at Starr Elementary School, she helps students discover the joy of literacy while also mentoring fellow educators. Her leadership has now made her a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Taylor Carvajal’s connection to her students runs deep. Inspired by her legally blind grandparents, she has spent her career ensuring blind and deaf students have the tools they need to succeed at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind. Now, her dedication has earned her a spot as a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year. 

Before children learn to read or write, they learn to speak—and for some, that first step requires extra help. Miranda Grice, a Speech-Language Pathologist at Lexington Four Early Childhood Center, has dedicated her career to ensuring every child has a voice. Now, her impact has made her a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.