State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver surprised Lexington Two Innovation Center's Anne Reamer today with news that she has been selected as one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award. 

“Anne has a special connection with her students that empowers them to shine in and outside of the classroom," said Superintendent Weaver. "What an honor it is to recognize an educator that pours every bit of her life and energy into seeing students succeed."

Reamer is the lead teacher in the Media Arts department, where her 10-12 grade students study multimedia concepts. She received a bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Carolina, and a master's in Divergent Learning and Conflict Resolution from Columbia College. This marks her 22nd year in education.

"Anne Reamer is one of the most talented and dedicated individuals that I have ever known," said Lexington Two Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner. "If it is for our students or in service to others, you can always count on Anne. I'm thrilled that she has been selected as a finalist, because she is never one to take credit or seek the spotlight. She is an outstanding educator, and one who I know would proudly represent the state's teachers."

Following in her mother-in-law's footsteps, Reamer has given her life to changing the lives of students. She firmly believes in hands-on experiences, teaching concepts first in the classroom to students, and then joining them in the field to produce various events including district news programs, covering athletic events, and school board meetings to name a few.

Reamer is most known for her innovation and ability to adapt in a fast-changing world, but she believes her most important contribution to education has been the steady building of relationships through the years, one student and colleague at a time.

As one of five finalists, Reamer 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.