State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver surprised Wellford Academy's Katie Farr today with the news that she has been selected as one of five finalists for South Carolina Teacher of the Year!
“Katie is a dedicated teacher who inspires her students to become lifelong learners," said Superintendent Weaver. "We are honored to celebrate Katie and the difference she has made in the lives of many children in Spartanburg County."
Farr is a first grade teacher who strongly believes in building strong relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community to foster a positive classroom environment. She encourages divergent thinking, creativity, and involving real world application in her students learning. This is her 13th year as an educator in South Carolina and her third year in Spartanburg District Five Schools.
"We are so proud of Katie Farr, and thrilled to have representing Spartanburg District Five Schools as a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year," said Superintendent Dr. Randall Gary. This honor is an affirmation of what we here in Spartanburg Five already know about Katie: she is a shining example of a teacher who cares about every child who walks in her classroom, and it's evident through the genuine relationships she develops with every student. She goes above and beyond to make learning come alive, and create experiences that her students will remember forever."
From an early age, Farr has always wanted to be a teacher and due to her father’s job relocating,
she was often the new student in a classroom. Farr went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Lander University and a Master of Arts in Reading with an emphasis in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. Farr strives for every student to feel that they belong in her classroom. She is also trained in Orton-Gillingham which has provided her with the skills to help young students learn to read. Some of Farr's greatest accomplishments in education are the small moments in her classroom when students take risks in their learning, feel safe, and find success and joy in the classroom
As one of five finalists, Farr will receive $10,000 and go on to the next stage of the 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 25th 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 64,000 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.