2024 STEM Educator of the Year
Melanie Painter
One educator for each school district will be awarded $2,500 toward classroom and continuing education support.
District 3: Broome High School, STEAM Coordinator
“As a math teacher, [..] I want to see an increase in professional development statewide that gives teachers the tools they need to effectively teach their content in parallel with the other STEM fields. Students need to see the connection and the real-world relevance. Furthermore, this needs to be a K-12 initiative, not just secondary education. […] I want teachers to have the confidence and tools they need to successfully design curriculum that is relevant to the real-world and shows the beautiful connections between STEM on a systematic level.”
2024 FINALISTS:
District 1: Chapman High School, Special Education- Inclusion Math Teacher
“My platform is focused on integrating STEM education and introducing nontraditional stem careers to underrepresented populations in our county”
District 2: Boiling Springs Middle School, STEM Teacher (6th-8th Grade)
“My focus is to ensure our students are prepared for the advanced jobs of the future and be all they can dream of being!”
District 4: Woodruff High School, Chemistry & Environmental Science Teacher
“If I were to summarize my platform in one statement, it would be “STEM – you CAN do it.” […] In addition to learning chemistry, critical thinking, and problem-solving, I want them to learn the skills of mental toughness and academic perseverance. […] Most of all, I want them to instill confidence in themselves, and belief in their abilities.”
District 5: Byrnes High School, PLTW Engineering Teacher
“My platform is showing students how collaboration and interpersonal skills are critical to be successful in college and career opportunities.”
District 6: Dorman HS Freshman Campus, STEM & science teacher & DHS STEM Coordinator
“If selected as the 2024 Spartanburg STEM Educator of the Year, my focus would be to show high school students from all ethnic/cultural backgrounds how STEM education is important in everyday life and even careers.”
District 7: Spartanburg High School, Special Education Teacher
“My focus for my students is to integrate STEM practices and real world practices to prepare my students to be career ready and able to navigate the challenges of real world experiences.”
