Florence, SC – State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman announced that Dr. Leah Barley, a teacher at Royall Elementary School in Florence School District One, is a finalist for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award.

“Leah is deserving of this special recognition,” said Spearman.  “She is a model educator and an excellent representative for Florence District One for this year’s statewide competition,” said Spearman.

Dr. Barley is a 1st-6th grade Language and Writing teacher at Royall Elementary School in Florence School District One.  She is also an Education and Leadership Professor.  Dr. Barley attributes her success in the classroom to building positive relationships with students, parents, and the school community.  She believes her greatest contribution in education is giving back to the profession by mentoring novice teachers.  She achieves this goal by serving as a Teacher Cadet and new teacher mentor.

The state’s Teacher of the Year gala is April 20.  The winner receives $25,000 and gets to drive a brand new BMW for one year while advocating for teachers across South Carolina. 

Photo caption: L-R: Principal Julie Smith; Dr. Leah Barley; State Superintendent Molly Spearman; and Florence One Superintendent Dr. Randy Bridges.