2023 South Carolina Honor Roll Teachers
Each year South Carolina selects five finalists for State Teacher of the Year. These finalists are interviewed and videotaped as part of the final selection process. Their contributions are celebrated at the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Banquet. Honor Roll Teachers work closely with the SC Teacher of the Year to promote teacher leadership and advocacy throughout the year. Get to know this year's finalists by watching the videos below.
Zachary Arms - School District of
Pickens County
Pickens County
Zachary Arms is a ninth through twelfth grade social studies teacher at Liberty High School in the School District of Pickens County. He earned his bachelor in history and secondary education from Clemson University. This marks his fourth year of teaching.
Zachary is best known for his spirit and innovative teaching methods, creating two new courses for Pickens County including Agricultural Economics and the Psychology of Superheroes, as well as designing community events at all Liberty schools to teach personal finance.
Zachary also serves as the assistant director for the PRIDE of Liberty Marching Band, aiding them this year in becoming a state finalist. He also is the founding advisor of the school's interact club. When he is not in the classroom, with the marching band, or at a club event, Zachary can be found at nearly every school or community event assisting his colleagues.
Zachary is best known for his spirit and innovative teaching methods, creating two new courses for Pickens County including Agricultural Economics and the Psychology of Superheroes, as well as designing community events at all Liberty schools to teach personal finance.
Zachary also serves as the assistant director for the PRIDE of Liberty Marching Band, aiding them this year in becoming a state finalist. He also is the founding advisor of the school's interact club. When he is not in the classroom, with the marching band, or at a club event, Zachary can be found at nearly every school or community event assisting his colleagues.
Jami Guker - Spartanburg School
District 4
District 4
Jami Guker is seventh grade math teacher at Woodruff Middle School in Spartanburg County School District Four. She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of South Carolina Spartanburg, a graduate degree in elementary education from Converse College, and a graduate degree in elementary and secondary administration from Converse College.
Ms. Guker' s students may not remember the math formulas or math facts she teaches them forever, but they will remember her positive attitude, kind heart, and giving spirit. She is often seen at sporting events, working at the area soup kitchen, leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or leading the youth at her church. She uses these opportunities to make students feel like someone cares for them. She has a servant's heart and I believe this is why her peers at work respect her and why her students believe she is so much more than just their teacher. It will come as no surprise to the community of Woodruff that Jami Guker has been named a Top Five for Teacher of the Year for the state of South Carolina.
Ms. Guker' s students may not remember the math formulas or math facts she teaches them forever, but they will remember her positive attitude, kind heart, and giving spirit. She is often seen at sporting events, working at the area soup kitchen, leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or leading the youth at her church. She uses these opportunities to make students feel like someone cares for them. She has a servant's heart and I believe this is why her peers at work respect her and why her students believe she is so much more than just their teacher. It will come as no surprise to the community of Woodruff that Jami Guker has been named a Top Five for Teacher of the Year for the state of South Carolina.
Laura Merk- York County School District 4 Fort Mill
Laura Merk teaches sixth grade math at Springfield Middle School in York County School District Four. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Anderson University, and a master's degree from Western Governors University.
Teaching is the opportunity that Laura needed to combine her love for math and love for children. It is a great day when her students learn math, but Laura believes she achieves true success when her students feel loved in her classroom.
Laura's technology and STEAM initiatives are demonstrated in the completely digital curriculum that she developed for her school. She uses this format to instruct and coach other teachers in the district and teacher candidates at Winthrop University's College of Education.
In addition to teaching, Laura leads her school's student leadership program. She organizes monthly food trucks for teachers and is often found supporting her students' extracurricular events. Laura serves her community as a Guardian ad Litem of York County to advocate for children, and her actions embody the school district's motto: Children first, every day.
Teaching is the opportunity that Laura needed to combine her love for math and love for children. It is a great day when her students learn math, but Laura believes she achieves true success when her students feel loved in her classroom.
Laura's technology and STEAM initiatives are demonstrated in the completely digital curriculum that she developed for her school. She uses this format to instruct and coach other teachers in the district and teacher candidates at Winthrop University's College of Education.
In addition to teaching, Laura leads her school's student leadership program. She organizes monthly food trucks for teachers and is often found supporting her students' extracurricular events. Laura serves her community as a Guardian ad Litem of York County to advocate for children, and her actions embody the school district's motto: Children first, every day.
Thomas Slater- Sumter School District
Thomas Slater is the chorus and general music instructor at Chestnut Oaks Middle School with the Sumter School District. He earned a bachelor's degree from South Carolina State University, and a master's in education administration from Grand Canyon University. He has served over 30 years in the classroom.
Thomas discovered as a sophomore in high school that his passion was to pursue a music career. Inspired by his family of educators, and his high school band director, he enthusiastically began his musical journey as his life's purpose.
Thomas prides himself on empowering students to reach beyond what they think they can accomplish. He encourages them to think outside the box, not only musically, but in other disciplines of learning as well. He provides a learning environment that is safe and nurturing, promoting risk-taking, which is met with encouragement to help students succeed.
Thomas discovered as a sophomore in high school that his passion was to pursue a music career. Inspired by his family of educators, and his high school band director, he enthusiastically began his musical journey as his life's purpose.
Thomas prides himself on empowering students to reach beyond what they think they can accomplish. He encourages them to think outside the box, not only musically, but in other disciplines of learning as well. He provides a learning environment that is safe and nurturing, promoting risk-taking, which is met with encouragement to help students succeed.
