A Note From Senor Sanchez:
There’s a quote I carry with me everywhere I go. Confucius once said: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” And while we know that teaching is very much hard work, when it comes from a place of love—it becomes something greater. It becomes a calling.
There is one person I must especially thank—my wife. She is the reason I fell in love with this profession. Through her example, I learned that teaching is a beautiful act of love, patience, and purpose. She showed me that when you teach with your heart, you don’t just change minds—you change lives.
The theme I carry into every school year is simple: Teach from love. Lead with empathy.
When we teach from love, we don’t just deliver content—we unlock confidence. We heal, we empower, we connect. When we lead with empathy, we recognize that every behavior has a story, and that kindness has the power to change the course of a life.
Our classrooms are more than spaces for learning—they are spaces for belonging. We are not just teachers of subjects—we are teachers of people.
To my fellow educators: as we begin this new school year, I know there will be challenges. There always are. But I encourage you to return each day with your heart wide open. Let love be louder than frustration. Let empathy shape your discipline. Let your purpose be louder than the noise.
Even when you don’t see it right away—you are making a difference. A smile, a patient explanation, a gentle redirection—they matter more than you know.
Thank you for the love you give, for the hearts you lift, and for the lives you change—one student at a time.
Let’s make this year one where we not only teach minds… but touch hearts.
| 2025-2026 | Leonardo Sanchez | Top 10 Finalist |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | Lisa Brundridge | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2023-2024 | Caroline Creel | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2022-2023 | Michelle Stein | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2021-2022 | Derrick Epps | |
| 2020-2021 | Ellen Green | |
| 2019-2020 | Debra Whatley | |
| 2018-2019 | Tariq Caudle | |
| 2017-2018 | Hillary Huskey | |
| 2016-2017 | Krissy Black | |
| 2015-2016 | Keri Reaney | |
| 2014-2015 | Jake Mitchell | |
| 2013-2014 | Anne Kelsey-Zibert | Greenville County Teacher of the Year |
| 2012-2013 | Kathi Christy | |
| 2011-2012 | Jeff Edwards | |
| 2010-2011 | David Deighton | |
| 2009-2010 | Bobby Powell | |
| 2008-2009 | Susan McCoy | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2007-2008 | Lisa Brundridge | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2006-2007 | Leah Simpson | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2005-2006 | Betsy Smith | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2004-2005 | Sandy Bailey | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2003-2004 | Janet Atkins | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2002-2003 | Lynn Taylor | |
| 2001-2002 | Suzanne Glattli | |
| 2000-2001 | Mary Linder | |
| 1999-2000 | Lynn Laws | |
| 1998-1999 | Curt Matthews | |
| 1997-1998 | Teresa Blankenship | |
| 1996-1997 | Kyndal Gravely | |
| 1995-1996 | Lynn Duncan | Top 10 Finalist |
| 1994-1995 | Debra Glenn | |
| 1993-1994 | Nell Miller | |
| 1992-1993 | Shannon Pratt | |
| 1991-1992 | Walt Cottingham | |
| 1990-1991 | Marcia DuRant | |
| 1989-1990 | Ginger Penick | |
| 1988-1989 | Janell Puckett | |
| 1987-1988 | Daisy Green | |
| 1986-1987 | Nell Miller | |
| 1985-1986 | Walt Cottingham | |
| 1984-1985 | Sandy Mitchell | |
| 1983-1984 | Janell Puckett | |
| 1982-1983 | Nelle Cox | |
| 1981-1982 | ||
| 1980-1981 | Mary Ellen Guest | |
| 1979-1980 | Vickie Ince | |
| 1978-1979 | Sidney Skardon | |
| 1977-1978 | Bob Powell | |
| 1976-1977 | Brenda Deener | |
| 1975-1976 | Marc Craig | |
| 1974-1975 | Mardie Fillippeli | |
| 1973-1974 | Rosa Smith |
