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School district announces Teacher of the Year finalists for 2024-25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 31, 2024

BEAUFORT – Five classroom teachers were named as finalists for Beaufort County’s 2024-25 District Teacher of the Year.

The finalists are Laura VanHorn, second-grade teacher at Bluffton Elementary School; Dr. Karen Parker, language arts teacher at Lady’s Island Middle School; Timothy Huesing, social studies teacher at Hilton Head Island Middle School; Melanie Willis, multi-age teacher at Daufuskie Island Elementary School; and Cinderella Shaw, fifth-grade teacher at Lady’s Island Elementary School.

“Every year, we have the honor of celebrating educators who excel in their commitment to educational excellence,” said Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez. “Our finalists have shown a steadfast dedication to teaching, motivating their students to achieve remarkable levels of success and personal growth.”

The District Teacher of the Year will be announced this fall.

Photo of the Top 5 Finalists for District Teacher of the Year Left to right: Timothy Huesing, Hilton Head Island Middle School; Cinderella Shaw, Lady’s Island Elementary; Laura VanHorn, Bluffton Elementary; Dr. Karen Parker, Lady’s Island Middle; Melanie Willis Daufuskie Island Elementary

Left to right: Timothy Huesing, Hilton Head Island Middle School; Cinderella Shaw, Lady’s Island Elementary; Laura VanHorn, Bluffton Elementary; Dr. Karen Parker, Lady’s Island Middle; Melanie Willis Daufuskie Island Elementary

Becoming District Teacher of the Year is a three-step process that began when school-level teachers of the year were selected in May.  Those wishing to compete for District Teacher of the Year submitted detailed applications in July.

In the second step, a selection committee consisting of parents, former educators and community leaders from across Beaufort County reviewed the applications and rated them using a numerical scoring system.  The five highest-scoring applicants were named as finalists. 

In the next step, the five finalists will be interviewed by a separate review committee again composed of judges from across the county. The judges will score candidates based on how well they respond to questions about their teaching experiences and current education issues.  After those interviews, the panel will select a District Teacher of the Year to represent Beaufort County’s classroom professionals.

Supporting video footage: https://youtu.be/3FhHlLqDZBU