December 2, 2025
The Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences at Winthrop University, together with the Rex Institute, is excited to invite nominations for our annual Jessie Little “Leading the Way” Award—a celebration of truly exceptional South Carolina educators.
This award honors teachers who shine not only in their own classrooms, but who also go above and beyond to lift others up. We’re looking for educators who mentor beginning (and veteran!) teachers, support pre-service teachers in field or clinical placements, or serve as remarkable Teacher Cadet instructors. These are the educators who shape educators—those who model excellence, inspire growth, and strengthen the profession as a whole.
The Leading the Way Award recipient will receive up to $2,500, and thanks to generous support, we have also been able to recognize runners-up with monetary awards each year. The program continues to grow, and this year, we’re aiming for our strongest pool of nominations yet.
If you know a teacher who is truly “leading the way,” please take a moment to nominate them—and feel free to share the nomination form widely with colleagues, schools, and networks across the state. Your nomination helps highlight and honor the educators who make a lasting impact across South Carolina.
Let’s set a record this year—and celebrate the incredible talent in South Carolina’s schools!
Nominations are due Monday, December 15th.
Nomination link: https://tinyurl.com/2x6hstja
This award honors teachers who shine not only in their own classrooms, but who also go above and beyond to lift others up. We’re looking for educators who mentor beginning (and veteran!) teachers, support pre-service teachers in field or clinical placements, or serve as remarkable Teacher Cadet instructors. These are the educators who shape educators—those who model excellence, inspire growth, and strengthen the profession as a whole.
The Leading the Way Award recipient will receive up to $2,500, and thanks to generous support, we have also been able to recognize runners-up with monetary awards each year. The program continues to grow, and this year, we’re aiming for our strongest pool of nominations yet.
If you know a teacher who is truly “leading the way,” please take a moment to nominate them—and feel free to share the nomination form widely with colleagues, schools, and networks across the state. Your nomination helps highlight and honor the educators who make a lasting impact across South Carolina.
Let’s set a record this year—and celebrate the incredible talent in South Carolina’s schools!
Nominations are due Monday, December 15th.
Nomination link: https://tinyurl.com/2x6hstja