News Releases

Dr. Christie Palladino discovered her passion for teaching through years spent caring for patients as an obstetrician‑gynecologist and conducting health science education research—work that revealed the profound impact of helping others learn, grow, and find their voice. Inspired by that realization, she transitioned from medicine to the classroom, where she now brings her real‑world experience and research expertise to students at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center. And now, she’s a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.  

Kaitlyn Rhodes’ passion for teaching is rooted in her upbringing in South Carolina agriculture and the life‑changing influence of the agriculture teachers and mentors who shaped her. Through livestock exhibition, FFA leadership, and hands‑on agricultural experiences, she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of experiential learning—an impact she now strives to create for her own students as a dedicated Horticulture instructor at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe. Now, she is a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Nashari Williams’ passion for teaching was sparked early in life and shaped by the powerful example of her mother, a teacher’s assistant in a special needs classroom. Watching the impact of patient guidance and unwavering support inspired her to pursue a career where she could make the same difference. Today, as a dedicated 2nd‑grade educator at Greenwood’s School of Inquiry–Hodges Elementary, Nashari is fulfilling her calling to create a consistent and nurturing classroom environment and now she’s a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year. 

Meagan Johnson’s journey into special education began long before she stepped into her classroom at Royall Elementary School in Florence. Although she once dreamed simply of becoming a kindergarten teacher, her true calling emerged in high school when she babysat a child with Autism—an experience that ignited her passion for supporting children with unique needs. Today, she is doing just that as she teaches kindergarteners with Intellectual Disabilities, and she has now been named a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.