This month, South Carolina gave its highest teaching award to an Upstate educator with an “infectious passion for making history come alive.”
Braden Wilson, an 8th grade social studies teacher at Palmetto Middle School, received South Carolina’s 2025 Teacher of the Year honor at a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday, April 25. S.C. Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver presented the award.
“We are thrilled to celebrate her dedication to developing the next generation of civic-literate South Carolinians and look forward to the impact Braden will make as South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year serving as an ambassador for our state’s 64,000 educators,” said Superintendent Weaver.
Wilson has worked in education for 10 years and brings a love of history to the classroom that she hopes will inspire students. Before her time at Palmetto Middle School, she was a Teaching Fellow at Anderson University and a Social Studies Teacher Candidate of the year.
The awards program comes with well-earned prizes, including $25,000, a brand-new BMW car for one year, and professional development opportunities, according to the S.C. Education department’s press release.
The Anderson One School District joined in celebrating Wilson for her outstanding service to students. “She is an exceptional teacher who motivates and inspires her students to reach their goals and achieve their full potential every day,” said Superintendent Robbie Binnicker. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on other educators across the state.”
The full event can be viewed here.