Squeals of delight could be heard in the Kindergarten wing at Wellford Academy Friday morning, as Superintendent Dr. Randall Gary delivered some very special news. Kennedy Goldsmith, a Kindergarten teacher at Wellford, has been named the 2026 District Five Induction Teacher of the Year.
Goldsmith, a District Five graduate herself, says her passion for teaching was solidified when going through the Teacher Cadet program at Byrnes High School. "That was the first time I saw teaching from the inside, not just as a student, but as someone responsible for helping others learn," she says. "I got to witness how much intention, patience, and care goes into reaching every student, and how even small moments of encouragement can stick with a child long after the lesson is over."
Goldsmith, one of five finalists for the honor this year, was selected after an application and interview process. She will now move on to represent Spartanburg District Five for the honor of South Carolina Induction Teacher of the Year, presented by the South Carolina Association for Teaching, Learning and Leading (SCATLL), each year.
Congratulations to each of our finalists, and to all of our induction teachers this year, on an incredible first year in the classroom!
Please join us in celebrating Kennedy Goldsmith, our 2026 Induction Teacher of the Year!