Two exceptional educators in District Five received a heartwarming surprise this week as they were named the 2025–26 Distinguished Literacy Teachers of the Year! Elizabeth Koon, media specialist at Abner Creek Academy, earned the elementary-level honor, and Josh Noble, a 7th-grade English Language Arts teacher at Florence Chapel Middle School, was selected as the secondary honoree.
District Five Superintendent Dr. Randall Gary visited each school earlier this week to deliver the news personally, and congratulate each honoree.
About Elizabeth Koon – Elementary Honoree
A proud District Five graduate, Koon grew up in this community and now serves the next generation of learners at Abner Creek Academy. As the school’s media specialist, she is deeply involved in promoting literacy throughout the building and recently helped launch the school’s first-ever student-led newspaper, the "Gator Gazette".
Koon believes literacy begins very early in a child’s life and takes a student-centered approach, connecting reading to meaningful, real-world experiences. She says, “Literacy, to me, is not just a skill—it is a gateway to creativity, exploration, and personal growth that extends far beyond the classroom.”
About Josh Noble – Secondary Honoree
Josh Noble says his strong belief in the power of relationships and classroom community guides his passion for teaching every day. As a respected faculty member and one of the Florence Chapel's eight house leaders, he is committed to knowing each student personally—seeing that connection as the foundation for strong reading and writing skills.
Noble says, “I believe literacy should be joyful, relevant, and empowering. Whether we’re dissecting a powerful passage, crafting a piece of writing, or sharing a story that sparks laughter and thought, I want students to experience literacy as something alive—something that connects them to the world and to one another.”
About the Award
The Distinguished Literacy Teacher recognition is presented annually by the Spartanburg County chapter of the Palmetto State Literacy Association. Each school district nominates one elementary and one secondary teacher who exemplify excellence in literacy instruction and a commitment to cultivating lifelong readers.
Koon and Noble were selected through a district-wide application and review process after being recommended by their schools. They will now advance to the county-level competition to represent District Five among a talented group of educators from across Spartanburg County.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Koon and Josh Noble for this well-deserved recognition! Their passion for literacy continues to inspire students, colleagues, and our entire school community.