News Summary
Morgan Smith from Cashion Elementary has been awarded Teacher of the Year, recognizing her exceptional contribution to education in Greenville County.
Greenville, South Carolina – Morgan Smith has been named the Teacher of the Year for 2025-26 by Greenville County Schools. Smith, a fifth-grade teacher at Robert E. Cashion Elementary School, received this prestigious recognition during a celebration event held by the school district on August 7. Her selection marks a significant achievement in a district comprising approximately 6,000 nominated teachers from each school.
The Teacher of the Year award is part of an annual initiative by Greenville County Schools to honor outstanding educators. After a comprehensive review process, a screening and selection committee determined the winner, who was chosen from a pool of nominated candidates. In March, ten educators were named as finalists for the coveted title.
In addition to Smith’s recognition as Teacher of the Year, several runners-up were acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to the educational community. The runners-up included Meagan Wagner, an English teacher at Riverside High School; Candance Brownlee-Collins, a fourth-grade teacher at Hollis Academy; and Tieraney Gezelle Rice, a 4K teacher at Monarch Elementary School.
The celebration event also highlighted the achievements of other educators in the district. Awards were presented to the 2025-26 First Class Teachers and the Emerging Teachers of the Year. The First Class Teacher Award, sponsored by Public Education Partners and Auro Hotels, recognizes outstanding first-year teachers. Meanwhile, the Emerging Teachers of the Year award, sponsored by Greenville Federal Credit Union, acknowledges second- or third-year teachers who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their early careers.
Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster praised the dedication, innovation, and commitment to student success exhibited by all the educators during the ceremony. Royster emphasized the important role these teachers play in shaping the future of their students.
Morgan Smith’s teaching methods are notable for their focus on preparing students for life beyond the classroom. She frequently invites community guest speakers into her classroom, providing students with real-world insights and experiences that enrich their learning. In addition, Smith adapts classroom materials and employs technology to support English learners, ensuring that all her students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
The announcement of the Teacher of the Year is part of an ongoing effort by Greenville County Schools to celebrate and promote excellence in education. As the district strives to provide a supportive and challenging learning environment, initiatives like these serve to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of educators who are dedicated to their students’ success.
For those interested in viewing the full ceremony, a video is available on the Greenville County Schools Facebook page, showcasing the celebration of educators who are making a significant impact within the district.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville County Schools Implement Free Lunch Program
Shooting Incident Investigated in Greenville County
Greenville Experiences Surge in Shooting Incidents
South Carolina Achieves Record Homeownership Assistance
Greenville County Shooting Incident Leaves One Man Injured
New Reedy Laurel Elementary School to Open in Greenville
Morgan Smith Named Teacher of the Year in Greenville
Beloved Teacher and Musician Lorraine Marshall Passes Away
Tragic Shooting at Haywood Mall Leaves Community Reeling
Beloved Educator Pat Olin Gault Passes Away
Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Teacher of the Year Announcement
- FOX Carolina: Greenville County Teacher of the Year
- MSN: Teacher of the Year Recognition
- WYFF4: Greenville County Schools Budget Funding
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
