Cheers of joy and excitement could be heard from room 409 at Wellford Academy on Friday, as Superintendent Dr. Randall Gary arrived for a very special announcement. Dr. Gary came to deliver the news that Katie Farr, a Kindergarten teacher at Wellford, has been named the 2023-24 Spartanburg District Five Teacher of the Year! She was selected from a group of four district finalists, after an interview and classroom observation by an outside panel of judges, comprised of members of the education and business community.
Farr, a teacher for 12 years, came to Spartanburg District Five in 2021. A graduate of Lander University, she earned her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, and a Masters in Reading, with an emphasis on Elementary Education. Farr has been named a Distinguished Literacy Teacher, as well as having served as a mentor teacher for brand new educators.
As a Kindergarten teacher for her entire career, Farr's teaching philosophy is rooted in relationships, believing that connections with her students and their families are what fosters a positive classroom environment. Inside her classroom, you'll find hands-on learning and student collaboration, where students are encouraged to work with partners, share with their classmates, and celebrate each other.
Farr says her greatest accomplishment in education are the "small moments" inside her classroom, "where students take risks in their learning, learn new skills, feel safe and find success and joy" every day.
As District Teacher of the Year, Katie will now serve as an advocate for her fellow teachers, and a representative of District Five, along with other teachers from across the state.
Congratulations to Katie Farr, Spartanburg District Five's 2023-24 Teacher of the Year!