This school year’s three finalists for Edgefield County School District’s (ECSD) Teacher of the Year include an elementary school counselor, middle school art teacher and middle school music teacher. Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton Middle School Art Teacher, Avis Tuttle Jordan; Merriwether Middle School Music Teacher, Matt Herring; and Johnston Elementary School Counselor, Andra Syms, have a combined 34 years of experience in education.

The ECSD Teacher of the Year will be announced on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Additional 2023-2024 ECSD Teachers of the Year include Merriwether Elementary School Third-Grade Teacher, Janice Bass; W.E. Parker Elementary School Second-Grade Teacher, Jessica Coleman; Strom Thurmond High School Chemistry Teacher, Amy Hardy; and Douglas Elementary School Media Specialist and Inquiry Teacher, Shannon Petty.

ECSD Teacher of the Year Finalist: Avis Tuttle Jordan (J-E-T Middle School)

Things get more than a little messy in Avis Tuttle Jordan’s class. It’s all a part of the plan, though.

“In my classroom, messy organized chaos can be found,” she wrote in her ECSD Teacher of the Year application. “If you look past the messy chaos, you will find students collaborating and taking ownership in creating masterpieces. Encouraging mistakes and messes allows all learners to grow and discover their own style of engagement, empowerment and enrichment with each masterpiece they design. The experience of making a mess, learning from mistakes, and applying new information successfully is powerful.”

She believes giving to be her greatest contribution to education – everything from pencils to personal empowerment.

“In my profession giving may look different each day,” Tuttle Jordan wrote. “I give pencils and school supplies. I give smiles and hugs to those who might not get one at home or are having a bad day. I give kindness and love to all. I give, to expect nothing in return. No matter how small or big the giving may be, giving will always be my greatest contribution and accomplishment in the education profession. Through giving, I gain so much more.”

Congratulations again to our 2023-2024 ECSD Teacher of the Year finalists and all of our amazing Teachers of the Year.