Overview

South Carolina faces two converging challenges for the future of its students and workforce: first, a critical shortage of public-school educators, particularly in STEM areas; and second, the changing nature of jobs requiring an advanced understanding of STEM content areas and the skills required to tackle complex problems. The state will need to significantly increase its number of STEM educators in order to meet the demands of an evolving economy.  
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The STEM Educator of the Year award is a prestigious, statewide recognition of South Carolina educators. This award is for teachers who are making a significant difference in the lives of students across the state by providing excellent curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning and inspiring a passion for STEM beyond the classroom. Thanks to support from our partners, Comporium and Bojangles, the winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize and each of the remaining 4 finalists will receive $1,000. 

Timeline

The nomination form will be open from September 2, 2024 – November 1, 2024. Nominated educators will be sent the application on or before November 11, 2024. Applications will be due no later than January 17th. Interviews with the finalists will be scheduled in early March 2024. A winner will be selected and announced at STEM Day at the Capitol, on April 2, 2025.

Criteria

Eligibility  
  • Must be a full-time, active, certified classroom teacher. ​
  • Must teach at a public or private K-12 school in South Carolina. 
  • Must spend the majority of the school day involved in direct instruction to students. 
  • Must show involvement and leadership in student-related extra-curricular activities. 
  • Must be teaching at least 3 years. 
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The next STEM Educator of the Year will demonstrate: 
  • Integrity – Be honest, trustworthy, reliable, and respected by students, parents, co-workers, and community members. 
  • Interpersonal Skills – Be able to exemplify a true passion for STEM education.
  • Global Perspective – Be able to inspire students to see that STEM is all around us. 
  • Work Ethic – Be able to engage students in the classroom and prepare them for education and careers outside the classroom.
  • Self-Direction – Be able to explain personal teaching philosophy and implement effective teaching strategies.

Nominate the Next STEM Educator of the Year

Anyone, including oneself, can nominate a deserving teacher. Once, nominated, the teacher is sent Phase 2, the application, and must answer all questions. The South Carolina STEM Teacher of the Year Committee then reviews all of the applications and selects five finalists, one from each of the 5 regions, who will interview with our selection panel. Once the interview process is complete, a winner is selected. All communications will be made via email from the following email address: [email protected].

Nominators should fill out the nomination form before November 1, 2024 using the button below.  ​
2024 SEoY Finalists and Winner
Pictured left to right: Raymond Anacaya (Coastal-Pee Dee), Crystal Blanton (Upcountry), Millibeth Currie (Lowcountry), Debbie Bond (Midlands), and Jennifer Wilson (Western).

2024 SC STEM Educator of the Year Winners

Region 5 - Winner
Millibeth Currie, Seventh Grade Science Teacher & Program Director of "Women in Charge: Engineering Women's Lives", Moultrie Middle School, Mount Pleasant, SC
STEM Platform: STEM K-12: Engineering equity and opportunity for all.
Region 1 - Finalist
Jennifer Wilson, Math Teacher, McCants Middle School, Anderson SC
STEM Platform: The importance and relevancy of STEM education to all students and fellow. educators
 
Region 2 - Finalist
Crystal Blanton, Math teacher/Math intervention, Lugoff-Elgin Middle School, Lugoff, SC
STEM Platform: Create and facilitate a conducive STEM ecosystem in South Carolina.
 
Region 3 - Finalist
Debbie Bond, Middle School Science Teacher, PACE Academy, Columbia SC
STEM Platform: Give students with disabilities the opportunity to thrive in a multi-sensory environment.
 
Region 4 - Finalist
Raymond Anacaya, STEAM Teacher, Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School, Florence School District 3
STEM Platform: Bridging the achievement gap in education by incorporating STEM into English/Language Arts and Mathematics.