Superintendent Spearman Announces Springfield Middle School's Laura Merk as Teacher of the Year Finalist

State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman surprised Springfield Middle School's Laura Merk today with news that she has been selected as one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award.  

“We are proud to announce Laura as a finalist," said Superintendent Spearman. "Her passion for math could have taken her in many directions in life, but she chose to become a teacher to invest in students and help them unlock their limitless potential. Commitment, talent, and genuine care for students and her school community are the reasons she has been selected for this honor. Congratulations, Laura."

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.

“We are thrilled to recognize Laura Merk as a finalist today,” said Fort Mill Superintendent Chuck Epps. “She is an outstanding educator, whose dedication to her students and love for teaching inspires all those around her. We are extremely proud and honored to have her represent the Fort Mill School District as a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.”

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.

As one of five finalists, Laura will receive $10,000 and go on to the next stage of competition which involves an interview with a team of expert judges. The winner will be announced at the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Gala on May 4 in Columbia.
 
The winner receives a total of $25,000 and is provided with a brand new BMW to use while serving for one year as a roving ambassador providing mentoring, attending speaking engagements, working with Teacher Cadets and Teaching Fellows, leading the State Teacher Forum, and serving as the state spokesperson for over 50,000 educators.

The Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on the district, state, and national levels. The Teacher of the Year Awards not only assist in retention efforts but serve as a powerful recruitment tool to the educator profession. Tickets and sponsorship information for this year's Teacher of the Year Gala can be found at www.sceducationfoundation.com.