Midlands educator named 2020 SC Teacher of the Year to be honored by governor
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - On Thursday, Governor Henry McMaster will honor the state’s new 2020 Teacher of the Year, who teaches in the Midlands!
Chanda Jefferson is a University of South Carolina graduate who teaches biology for ninth through 12th grade at Fairfield Central High School. She was one of five finalists in the running for the 2020 South Carolina Teacher of the year.
Jefferson, who has been teaching for eight years, was announced as the winner during a reception Wednesday night at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. As the winner, the teacher will receive $25,000. That’s on top of the $10,000 she won as a finalist.
Jefferson also now has the keys to a state-owned BMW, as she serves a one-year residency at the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement. She got a chance to test out the feel of that BMW Wednesday night.
Her winnings will also include a set of new tires – for once she’s finished with her new ride – and a Jostens ring.
Jefferson said she is thrilled and that the work of every teacher is something to be recognized on a regular basis.
“Each day that we walk through the doors of our schools and classrooms, we positively impact the lives of students and that deserves to be celebrated every day, every day," Jefferson said. "I am so thankful, honored, humbled and blessed to stand before you and the 2020 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.”
