Joseph Gleason, agricultural education teacher at Lake View High School, was named the 2025-2026 District Teacher of the Year at a recognition ceremony that was held on Monday, September 15, 2025. Mr. Gleason and five colleagues were recognized for their dedication at the annual event. School representatives included: Karli Alford Hyatt, Dillon Elementary; Courtney Horne, Lake View Elementary; Fred Cook, Gordon Elementary; Heather Miller, Dillon Middle School; Tiffany Owens, Dillon High School; and Joseph Gleason, Lake View High School.
Being selected as Teacher of the Year for one’s school is extremely meaningful and humbling because teachers are voted on by their peers. Each of the six representatives was nominated in May of 2025. Over the summer, honorees completed a Teacher of the Year application packet, which was submitted to a panel of retired educators. Judges rated candidates independently and then met to reach consensus on a district representative.
To recognize the six teachers, the Dillon School District Four Board of Trustees and district staff planned a special evening in their honor. Teachers, administrators, and guests gathered in the foyer of the auditorium located at 1738 Highway 301 North at 6:00 P.M. A social time was enjoyed, prior to attendees joining Board Members and district staff for their regularly scheduled meeting. D. Ray Rogers, Dillon School District Four superintendent, opened the recognition ceremony by welcoming all in attendance. Mr. Earl Gleason, Board Chairman, presided over the ceremony.
Principals introduced school representatives and shared professional attributes that make them efficient, effective teachers. One attribute that was common to all six was their compassion for the students they serve. Honorees received handmade keepsakes and gift certificates to The Peddler Steak House. Teachers also received ginger ales, compliments of Schafer Distributing, Blenheim Bottling Company. In addition, Kim Minnick, National Teacher Associates (NTA) representative, presented each honoree with a token of appreciation. It was also announced that Horace Mann representatives will visit each school and present teachers with additional remembrances.
After each honoree was recognized, D. Ray Rogers, announced that Joe Gleason had been selected as the recipient of the 2025-2026 District Teacher of the Year award. He received a monetary gift and an engraved watch denoting this special recognition. After the presentation, Mr. Gleason shared a few words about his love of teaching and what makes it the right career choice for him.
In Mr. Gleason’s Teacher of the Year application, he expanded on his beliefs and his philosophy of teaching. He said, “I love what I do. Agriculture is one of my passions and as long as I can remember it always has been. My other passion is working with young people. Teaching high school agriculture is the culmination of both of my passions.” Mr. Gleason stated that he tries to instill qualities and traits that will serve his students well in the years to come. Skills and personal attributes discussed included: teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, perseverance, and a solid work ethic.
As the district’s Teacher of the Year representative, Mr. Gleason will be invited to attend professional development opportunities designed for district honorees and he will have the opportunity to participate in the 2027 State Teacher of the Year competition. During the 2025-2026 school year, Mr. Gleason will be invited to attend the State Teacher Forum Conference, November 12-14, 2025, two professional development days, February 26, 2026, and June 12, 2026, and the SC Teacher of the Year banquet and legislative day scheduled for late April or early May. During this culminating event, the 2027 State Teacher of the Year announcement will be made.
D. Ray Rogers, district superintendent, closed the ceremony by thanking the teachers for their dedication to the students in Dillon School District Four. He acknowledged that the work they do on a daily basis, is what makes the difference in the lives of children.
Teachers boost academic achievement and personal growth by providing guidance, fostering a positive learning environment, and acting as role models for their students. Effective teachers are compassionate, patient, knowledgeable, and able to communicate clearly. They engage students and adapt to their needs. The six teachers recognized at the 2025-2026 District Teacher of the Year recognition ceremony truly exemplify these characteristics and the students they serve are the benefactors. Teachers have always and will always “touch the future.” As you read and reflect, think back to the teachers and principals that touched your life in a special way. You mattered to them then and you matter now. It’s a good day to have a good day. Let’s all make the world a better place.
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