State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver surprised Aynor High School's Renee Atkinson today with news that she has been selected as one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award. 

“We are honored to celebrate Renee as a finalist for this year's award," said Superintendent Weaver. "Her heart truly lives in the classroom where she directly impacts the lives of her students every day. Renee is a blessing to Aynor High School and the entire school district of Horry County."

A 10-12 grade English teacher, Atkinson earned her undergraduate degree in History from Clemson University, a master's in Secondary English from Francis Marion University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University in 2013. This marks her 20th year in the classroom.

"Horry County Schools is proud of Mrs. Atkinson and congratulates her for being named one of the five finalists for South Carolina Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Rick Maxey, Horry County Schools Superintendent. “Mrs. Atkinson’s students applaud her for making learning exciting, and most of all, for letting them know that she cares about each one of them and their successes in the classroom. We are so glad that Mrs. Atkinson is a part of our Horry County Schools family."

Atkinson has held various positions in her education career, but her true calling is teaching. She is the current Aynor High School IB coordinator, an IB examiner for English A: Literature, and AP Reader for AP Literature and Composition. She served as Aynor's curriculum coach from 2014-2019 in addition to various other teacher leadership positions throughout her career.

Atkinson regularly provides professional development opportunities for teachers in Horry County Schools. She has presented at state level conferences including EdTech and the South Carolina Council for Teachers of English.

As one of five finalists, Renee will receive $10,000 and go on to the next stage of competition which involves an interview with a team of expert judges. The winner will be announced at the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 26 in Columbia.

The winner receives a total of $25,000 and is provided with a brand-new BMW to use while serving for one 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 55,000 educators.

The Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on the district, state, and national levels. The Teacher of the Year Awards not only assist in retention efforts but serve as a powerful recruitment tool to the educator profession.