Spartanburg District Five Schools is proud to announce our four finalists for the 2025-26 District Five Teacher of the Year.
Each year, each District Five school selects one educator who exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to be honored as their school-level Teacher of the Year. From these outstanding representatives, an external panel of judges— made up of education professionals outside the district—carefully reviews each nominee’s written application. Four finalists are then selected to advance to the final stage of the competition.
The finalists for the 2025-26 District Five Teacher of the Year are, in alphabetical order:
Heather Cassidy, Tyger River Elementary School
Brandon Haskins, D.R. Hill Middle School
Jim Murphy, Berry Shoals Intermediate School
Liz Smith, Reidville Elementary School
These four educators were chosen for their exceptional instructional practices, commitment to student success, and the difference they make within their school communities.
Finalists will now participate in a final round of evaluation, which includes a classroom observation and a personal interview with a separate panel of judges. The 2025-26 District Five Teacher of the Year will be announced later this month.
District Five congratulates all of this year’s school-level Teachers of the Year for their hard work and dedication. These educators represent the very best of District Five, and we are grateful for their continued service to our students, families, and community.