It's Official! The 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year has been named. Congratulations Corey Bedenbaugh of Lexington County District Three as the new State Teacher of the Year.
As the winner, Corey receives $25,000 and is provided with a brand-new BMW to use while serving for one year as a roving ambassador. He will provide mentoring, attend speaking engagements, work with Teacher Cadets and Teaching Fellows, lead the State Teacher Forum, and serve as the state spokesperson for over 55,000 educators. In addition to his ambassador duties, Corey will serve a one-year residency with the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA). He will also move forward to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year.
Again, CERRA celebrates your accomplishments and congratulates you as the 2026 SC Teacher of the Year.
