On Monday, March 11th, Fairfield County School District (FCSD) 2019 Teacher of the Year, Chanda Jefferson, was informed that she is one of five finalists in the running to become the 2020 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. South Carolina Superintendent of Education, Molly Spearman, made her first stop at Fairfield Central High School (FCHS) to recognize Jefferson. Spearman, along with FCSD’s Superintendent, Dr. J.R. Green, Fairfield Central High School Principal Tracie Swilley, FCSD’s Board Members, and members of the press, surprised Jefferson Monday afternoon during her Biology I class. Shocked, Jefferson thanked the school district for their support, her mother for sparking her love for science, and her former teacher for inspiring her to pursue a career in education. The South Carolina Department of Education awarded Jefferson with a $10,0000 check. The teacher that wins South Carolina State Teacher of the Year 2020 will receive $25,000 and will be given a BMW to drive for one year. Jefferson expressed that she is excited to use the funds to purchase supplies for her students. Principal Swilley and Superintendent, Dr. Green both acknowledged that they are fortunate to have driven teachers like Ms. Jefferson.

Jefferson began her teaching career over ten years ago, after attending the University of South Carolina. Originally, she was driven to move into the medical field. However, after she taught classes, she knew that teaching was her calling. In 2016, Jefferson began her career in Fairfield County. She is the science department chair and goes above and beyond for all of the teachers within her department.

Outside of her classroom teaching, Jefferson stays involved in extracurricular activities at FCHS. She is an FCHS Beta Club Sponsor, where she has helped students compete against other schools at the South Carolina Annual Beta Club Convention. She also started the Science Club, which has become very popular among the students at Fairfield Central High School. Students describe her as caring and committed which has contributed to the positive relationships she has built with the students and staff of FCHS. Jefferson plans to continue on the road to greatness. She truly represents the school motto of Fairfield Central High School: “Soaring to Greatness: Griffins Believe, Griffins Achieve, and Griffins Succeed.” From her labor and efforts in Fairfield County, she also exhibits the motto of the Fairfield County School District: “Excellence through Teamwork.”