Corey Bedenbaugh Named 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year

Corey Bedenbaugh, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School in Lexington County, has been named South Carolina's Teacher of the Year. Bedenbaugh was selected from five finalists and honored at a ceremony by State Superintendent Ellen Weaver, receiving a $25,000 prize, a BMW to use for a year, and tuition-free graduate coursework. In addition to his teaching, he founded 'Bow Ties with Bedenbaugh,' a mentorship program for young men, coaches the JV girls’ basketball team, and sponsors the student council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, demonstrating his commitment to student development and leadership. Bedenbaugh credits his Newberry College education courses and mentorship from past teachers for inspiring his career in teaching. As Teacher of the Year, he will serve as a statewide ambassador for the profession, mentoring teachers and inspiring future educators. His dedication to both academic and personal growth of students has been widely praised by education officials and his district superintendent.