Amidst the vibrant spirit of Anderson, South Carolina, a shining example of dedication and passion for education emerges in the form of Braden Wilson, the esteemed 2025 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. Wilson’s journey from a history enthusiast to an inspirational educator is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the transformative impact of exceptional teachers.
Reflecting on her journey, Wilson shared, “I have always been a history buff and loved watching documentaries and learning as much as I could as a kid. When I got to sixth grade, I had a social studies teacher that really made history come alive for me. She told countless stories and kept me on the edge of my seat.”
Wilson’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a student. She explains, “My teaching style is really similar to hers in a lot of ways. I teach through stories, songs, and projects. I no longer give tests. I want kids to be able to enjoy learning and to express what they know using their own interests and talents.”
A poignant moment in Wilson’s career highlights the profound impact teachers can have on students’ lives. She recalls, “One, for me, came about two years ago. I had been working closely with a student that seemed to always be defiant and always be in trouble.” Wilson’s empathy and care went beyond academics, as she went out of her way to provide practical help to a student in need. “She had hurt her foot over the weekend and cut it on a rock, and on Monday, I noticed how it was poorly bandaged. I also noticed that her sandals were broken, and she taped them back together. I got her foot re-wrapped, and during planning, I went to the local Dollar General and bought her a pair of cheap slides to wear to replace her broken ones so that her foot wouldn’t be irritated more than it already was. I didn’t really think anything of it until she came up to me a few days later to say thank you and told me that was the first new pair of shoes she’d had since 5th grade. I had no more behavior problems with her for the rest of the year. Sometimes, it’s just about showing kids you care about them.”
Offering advice to new educators, Wilson emphasizes the importance of perseverance and community. “If I could give any advice to future teachers who have decided to pursue a career in education, it would certainly be to stay the course. I don’t think there are any other professions that are discouraged as much as the choice to go into education. People will tell you countless reasons and stories to dissuade you from becoming a teacher, including that you will be underpaid and underappreciated. They will offer you a plethora of other career options to consider. Don’t. There is absolutely no other profession on the planet that is more fulfilling and rewarding than teaching. You make a difference every day and will truly enjoy your job even on the bad days. I have never had a day where I regretted my career choice or didn’t enjoy my job. Very few professions can say that,” she advises. “No teacher is an island—we go further when we go together. Find fellow teachers who have gone through what you’re going through. Lean on them and learn from them. Borrow their strategies and make them your own.”
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s honor educators like Braden Wilson, who embody the spirit of teaching as a calling. Their dedication, compassion, and unwavering belief in their students’ potential are the foundation of a brighter tomorrow. Here’s to all the great teachers out there whose tireless efforts shape the minds and hearts of our future leaders. As Wilson puts it, “Teaching is a calling… It is, therefore, a necessity to support teachers in the classroom so that they can support students.”
