Excellent Teachers can change the trajectory of students' lives — especially in high-need schools.

The Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize teachers that make a true impact on the academic advancement of students in schools with the highest needs and celebrates the life-changing work of transformative educators at zero cost to our partner schools.

Hear From a Teacher!

Excellent Teachers can change the trajectory of students' lives — especially in high-need schools.

The Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize teachers that make a true impact on the academic advancement of students in schools with the highest needs and celebrates the life-changing work of transformative educators at zero cost to our partner schools.

Hear From a Teacher!

Why do the Excellence In Teaching Awards exist?

  • Celebrate: Top performing teachers change the lives of their students

  • Reward: Currently, all teachers are paid the same regardless of their results

  • Retain: 3 consecutive years of outstanding teaching in a high-need school can close the achievement gap for kids

  • Attract: Teachers are 7x more likely to move out of a high-need school than move into one

  • Improve: Students in high-need schools often begin the school year 2-3 years behind

Founded in 2021 with four schools, the Excellence in Teaching Awards has expanded to 35 schools in four counties across South Carolina.

ETA-Calculated

How are the Excellence in Teaching Awards Calculated?

The Excellence in Teaching Awards are calculated using some combination of classroom growth, individual student’s progress or individual student’s achievement, depending on the school district.

Charleston County Schools Non-Charleston County Schools

Participants in the Excellence in Teaching Awards

Charleston County School District

Hope Network (includes Allendale and Williamsburg counties)

Legacy Early College (member of the South Carolina Public Charter School District