School is where her heart is, says Aynor High School’s state teacher of the year
Aynor High School English teacher Reneé Atkinson saves notes that kids have written her over the years. They are attached to the inside of a cabinet door in her classroom and are visible every time she opens it.
“When you’re having a bad day, you open that cabinet and you see all those words ... (and) know you have made a difference in someone’s life,” Atkinson said.
Leaving her students behind will be hardest part of her being named 2024 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, she said. Atkinson, who spoke during a celebration for her award at the high school Monday morning, will be a state ambassador for the next two years as part of the award.
“That’s the most bittersweet part of this journey is not being here,” she said. “That’s truly where my heart is.”
Atkinson, who was one of five finalists, was named state teacher of the year Wednesday at a press conference at the governor’s mansion with state education superintendent Ellen Weaver.
This is Atkinson’s 21st year in education and 17th year with the Horry County School District.
She will travel around the state speaking to others and helping to improve education statewide. Atkinson said she will be working with the Center for Education Recruitment Retention and Advancement as an ambassador for the first year.
She wants to focus her attention on making sure students are successful, “that everything we do is in the best interest of the kids.” Atkinson said while “we are blessed here in Horry County,” that’s not the case in every county statewide.
In addition to the state title, Atkinson also received $25,000 and the opportunity to drive a gray BMW X5.
She was able to drive the car home from Columbia the same day, she said. “It’s in the parking lot,” Atkinson said. “It’s pretty sweet.”
Her kids were excited about the announcement but things went back to business as usual the day after the state ceremony. That included dropping off children at dance, soccer and chorus, Atkinson said.
When it came near the time to name the state teacher of the year, Aynor High School Principal Michael McCracken said students and staff began asking him what would happen if she would win.
“What are we going to do? We’re going to lose Miss Atkinson,” McCracken said. “Well, I’m not sure. But we’ve got to look at this as a win-win.”
“Everywhere she goes, she’s taking a little bit of Aynor High School with her,” McCracken said.
