Aynor High School educator wins 2024 South Carolina Teacher of the Year award

Aynor High School teacher Reneé Atkinson has won the 2024 South Carolina Teacher of the Year award.

Atkinson, one of five finalists, was awarded the title Wednesday at a press conference at the governor’s mansion with state education superintendent Ellen Weaver.

Originally from Mullins, Atkinson is an advanced placement and international baccalaureate English teacher and current Horry County Schools teacher of the year.

She received a bachelor of arts in history from Clemson University, a master of secondary English from Francis Marion University and an education specialist degree from Liberty University.

This is Atkinson’s 21st year in education and 17th year with the Horry County School District.

In a press release, Atkinson said that being a good teacher is a collaborative effort and that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the community of educators around her supporting her and teaching her.

The Teacher of the Year award assists in education retention efforts by honoring teachers on the district, state and national levels.

Four other teachers were previously announced as finalists: Ann Reamer of Lexington School District 2, Mandy DeMeio of York District 4, Amsavalli Velayuthan of Jasper County and Wayne Williams of York 2.

On Tuesday, Horry County Schools named its district teacher of the year for 2024.

Emma Lyn Cain, a Pee Dee Elementary teacher, received the award and will now move on to the next round as a nominee for the state teacher of the year, which will be announced next year.

This story was originally published April 26, 2023 at 1:45 PM.