Greenville County Schools announced the finalists for the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year award on March 30.
Ten educators across the school district were selected as finalists:
- A.J. Arrowood, an agriculture teacher at Greer High
- Mary Grace Carlson, a government and economics teacher at Carolina High
- Michael Chapman, an EMT instructor at Golden Strip Career Center
- Bryanna Dennewitz, a sixth and seventh-grade science teacher at Bryson Middle
- Graham Garcia, an eighth-grade math teacher at Lakeview Middle
- Amanda Hamann, an art teacher at Alexander Elementary
- Kayla Layman, a geometry teacher at Greenville Sr. High Academy
- Kris Monday, a cosmetology instructor at Bonds Career Center
- Bill Twaler, a culinary arts instructor at Enoree Career Center
- Jessica Yale, a special education teacher at Travelers Rest High
Superintendent Burke Royster surprised the finalists at their schools on Monday morning. Each finalist receive a $100 visa gift card, a blanket and an umbrella courtesy of Greenville Federal Credit Union.
“These ten educators represent the very best of what it means to serve students with purpose,” Royster said. “In every classroom, they are building the academic and life skills of successful college-and career-ready students with a collective commitment to excellence. Their influence reaches far beyond a single lesson or school year; it leaves a lasting mark on the lives of the students they serve and strengthens our entire community.”…