2026-27 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
Mary Grace Carlson, Government and Economics Teacher at Carolina High, named 2026-27 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
This morning, Carolina High and Academy government and economics teacher Mary Grace Carlson received the district’s highest teaching honor as Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster named her the 2026-27 GCS Teacher of the Year.
Three runners-up were announced: Graham Garcia, eighth Grade math teacher at Lakeview Middle, was named First Runner-up; Bill Twaler, culinary arts instructor at Enoree Career Center, was named Second Runner-up; and Jessica Yale, special education teacher at Travelers Rest High, was named Third Runner-up.
Additional Top 10 Finalists for 2026-27 Teacher of the Year were Amanda Hamann, art teacher at Alexander Elementary, Bryanna Dennewitz, sixth and seventh grade science teacher at Bryson Middle, Michael Chapman, EMT instructor at Golden Strip Career Center, Kayla Layman, geometry teacher at Greenville Sr. High Academy, A.J. Arrowood, agriculture teacher at Greer High and Kris Monday, cosmetology instructor at J. Harley Bonds Career Center.
Two First-Class Teacher Award winners were named. This award, sponsored by Public Education Partners and Auro Hotels, recognizes exemplary teachers at both the elementary and secondary level who have completed their very first year of teaching and have Induction Contract Status in Greenville County Schools. The Elementary First Class Teacher Award was presented to Makaela Letayf, third grade teacher at Alexander Elementary. The Secondary First Class Teacher Award was presented to Caleb Brown, U.S. history and human geography teacher at Riverside High.
In addition, two Emerging Teachers of the Year were named. The Emerging Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by Greenville Federal Credit Union and recognizes teachers who have completed their second or third year of teaching. Awards are presented to one elementary teacher and one secondary teacher. Lia Winters, special education teacher at Berea Elementary, was named Elementary Level Emerging Teacher of the Year, and Lori Foley, physical education teacher at Carolina High and Academy, was named Secondary Level Emerging Teacher of the Year.
2026-27 Teacher of the Year, Mary Grace Carlson
Mary Grace Carlson, the 2026–2027 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year, believes the most powerful thing a teacher can do is help students find their voice and recognize their potential. That belief is rooted in her own educational journey.
As a student, Mary Grace excelled in elementary school, but challenges outside the classroom made high school difficult. Frequent moves, working multiple jobs, and having limited support nearly prevented her from graduating. The teachers who refused to give up on her changed the course of her life, inspiring her to become the kind of educator who ensures every student knows they are capable of success.
Today, as a government and economics teacher at Carolina High and Academy, Mary Grace creates a classroom culture built on empowerment, belonging, and opportunity. Students entering her classroom are greeted by a simple message displayed at the door: “Your Voice Matters.” Through student-led discussions, classroom leadership opportunities, and collaborative learning experiences, she encourages students to see themselves as leaders and active participants in their communities.
“My goal is for every student to leave my class ready for any college or career they choose, not just to graduate,” Mary Grace says.
She has launched initiatives that connect students with real-world experiences, including community service projects, field trips, guest speakers, participation in the Youth in Government program, and voter registration drives. These experiences help students apply classroom learning while developing civic responsibility, leadership skills, and confidence.
Her impact is equally evident throughout the school community. As Social Studies Department Chair, a mentor teacher, Professional Learning Community leader, and member of the Greenville County Schools LEAD cohort, Mary Grace invests significant time in supporting fellow educators.
Mary Grace also believes that creating strong schools requires meaningful partnerships with the community. Through collaborations with organizations such as United Way of Greenville, the YMCA, Hispanic Alliance, League of Women Voters, Clemson University, and OnTrack Greenville, she helps students see how their education connects to the world around them and the opportunities available beyond high school.
Preparing students for life after graduation remains at the center of her work. Through Graduation Plus, Mary Grace incorporates career exploration, financial literacy, communication skills, and critical thinking into her lessons.
Teacher of the Year Process
The process of selecting ten finalists began last fall when schools and centers selected their individual Teachers of the Year. School-level Teachers of the Year completed a comprehensive application that was reviewed and scored by initial screening committees.
A separate Judging Committee, including representation from a former teacher of the year, a retired GCS administrator, higher education, and community partners, then ranked the top one-third of applicants and selected the Top 10 finalists.
How Are the Finalists Chosen?
Each Top Ten candidate for Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year is judged on the completed application, a one-on-one interview, and a classroom observation.
During the interview, candidates were evaluated on their use of effective communication skills, organization of responses to questions, and substance and relevance of response. Top Ten Finalists had an unannounced classroom observation by the judging committee. Judges scored each finalist on his or her knowledge of content, teacher/student interaction, communication skills, instructional delivery, and assessment and feedback.
The members of the Selection Committee are Derek Lewis, Greenville First Steps; Dr. Dee Dee Washington, former Greenville County Schools administrator; Dr. Leigh Martin, College of Education, Clemson University; Kelly Nalley, Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year 2009-2010 and South Carolina Teacher of the Year 2011; and Leigh Savage, Community Journals.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
GCS extends a special thanks to presenting sponsor Greenville Federal Credit Union.
Special awards and prizes are provided for the top Greenville County teacher and other honorees. Sponsors include Auro Hotels, Bank of Travelers Rest, BMW, Chick-fil-A of Greer, Community Journals, Dave & Buster's, Eplee + Associates, Expressions Unlimited, Grand Bohemian Lodge, Greenville Drive, Greenville Federal Credit Union, Greenville District PTA, Jeremiah's Italian Ice, Jostens, Michelin, Papa Johns Pizza, Peace Center, Public Education Partners, Rotary Club of Greenville, SC Charities, Southern Recognition, Spare Time, Table 301, Texas Roadhouse.
