Superintendent Spearman Announces Woodruff Middle School's Jami Guker as Teacher of the Year Finalist

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

“Jami is well-respected among her peers and school community as an educator who truly cares for the success of each of her students," said Superintendent Spearman. "Not only does she use innovative instructional methods, she also places an emphasis on creating meaningful relationships with her students. We are honored to celebrate Jami as a finalist for the state Teacher of the Year award."

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 is in her twentieth year of teaching, and Spartanburg Four is blessed to have had her at Woodruff Middle School for all those years," said Spartanburg Four Superintendent Dr. Rallie Liston. "She has consistently shown students the importance of math in everyday use, and her students have performed well on end of year assessments. She will be quick to tell you her students' performance on tests is not all due to her ability to teach math. She has proven time and time again that building relationships with students outside of school and showing students love, care, and concern will boost their confidence to become a better all-around person. They perform well for her because they know of her high expectations for each of them to be the best they can be.

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. Her dedication, hard work, and love of people have made her a standout in our district for many years. We are so proud others have recognized this and given her this honor."

As one of five finalists, Jami 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.