Myrtle Beach, SC – State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman announced that Joey Trail, a teacher at Forestbrook Middle School in Horry County Schools, is a finalist for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award.

“Joey brings his many years of experience in the entertainment field to the classroom, which greatly benefits his students,” said Spearman.  “He is a great example of someone who made a career transition into the classroom and his success is a positive reflection of Horry County Schools,” said Spearman.

 

Trail is a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher at Forestbrook Middle School in Horry County.  Trail worked in the entertainment field for 16 years, but recognized that he wanted to focus on his passion for youth advocacy.  He decided to enter the teaching profession and uses his skills in entertainment to engage his students.  Trail aims to strengthen the teaching profession by reminding his colleagues of the importance of student teacher relationships.  He currently serves as a mentor for new teachers at his school.

 

The state’s winner receives $25,000 and gets to drive a brand new BMW for one year while advocating for teachers across South Carolina. 

Photo caption: Horry District Finalist Joey  Trall; State Superintendent Molly Spearman