State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced tonight that the 2018 South Carolina Teacher of the Year is Erin Fox, an English teacher at Gaffney Senior High School in the Cherokee County School District.

“Erin truly embodies the qualities and characteristics of a great educator," said Superintendent Spearman. "She is so deserving of this honor and I look forward to working with her over the next year to continue to lift up the teaching profession and empower educators across our state."

Fox pulls from her dramatic, dance and musical background to create dynamic lessons and units for her students.  In her roles as a teacher and cross country coach, she ensures that her students are challenged everyday.  She strives to teach them “an inner drive” that will carry them further than just a 5K course, classroom, or school year. Erin also believes in the necessity of optimal health and wellness and the positive overall effects it has on student achievement and success.

As part of the state Teacher of the Year awards program, Fox receives $25,000 and gets to drive a brand new BMW for one year. 

The 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 48,000 educators. Learn more about The Teacher of the Year program.