2025 CCSD Teacher of the Year
Charleston County School District (CCSD) officials surprised five unsuspecting teachers by announcing their selection as Top 5 Finalists for 2025 Teacher of the Year. The finalists are Carissa Carr (Gifted and Talented teacher at Oakland Elementary School and Stono Park Elementary School), Katie Scheaffer (sixth-grade science teacher at Thomas C. Cario Middle School), Crystal Herron (high school science teacher at Charleston Charter School for Math and Science), Eric Wilkinson (choral and Advanced Placement music theory teacher at Wando High School), and Megan Kee (Algebra teacher at West Ashley High School).
One of those finalists will take over the reins from the district’s current Teacher of the Year, McKenna Hakanson of North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary School.
CCSD Superintendent Anita Huggins presented each finalist with flowers and a plaque. At each stop along the route, live announcements and updates were provided on the District’s social media platforms. Photos from the day can also be found there.
Carissa Carr
Carr has taught for 19 years and has been the Gifted and Talented teacher at Oakland Elementary School since 2017. She is the epitome of a lifelong learner who has modeled the power of what a humble growth mindset can do for those brave enough to experience the discomfort of growth. Carr continually strives to strengthen her professional expertise by seeking and attending meaningful professional development. More importantly, she grows herself with the anticipation of sharing that knowledge with others. Carr is committed to helping her team get stronger - not just herself. Her selfless generosity allows her learning to spill over to her entire school community and impact everyone - not just the students assigned to her.
Carr earned a Liberal Studies degree from Longwood University and holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Elementary Administration from The Citadel. Professional memberships include the Great Teacher Alliance, attendance at the 2023 and 2024 Regional Five Gifted and Talented Conference, and attendance at the 2022 National Association for Gifted Children Conference in Indianapolis, IN.
For Carr, the most rewarding part of teaching is being able to push a student to their fullest potential by providing them with the skills, resources, and support needed so that they can accomplish anything they put their hearts and minds to. The most rewarding thing about teaching is when Carr’s students use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve real-world problems through her guidance and support. All of her beliefs about teaching are demonstrated in her personal teaching style. When her students enter the classroom, they know that they are loved, respected, and valued.
Katie Scheaffer
Scheaffer has been teaching for 23 years and joined Cario Middle School four years ago as a sixth grade science teacher. With social and emotional development at the core of her teaching philosophy, perhaps Scheaffer’s most significant contribution to education lies in the "superpower" she instills in each of her students - a love of learning. By creating engaging and relevant lessons tailored to students' unique needs and learning styles, her students have all demonstrated growth in their understanding and curiosity about scientific concepts, regardless of where they fall on the science interest continuum. For Scheaffer’s students, this superpower has the potential to make them lifelong learners, equipped to think critically across all disciplines and about the world at large.
Scheaffer holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a minor in Spanish from Covenant College, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Professional memberships include SCforEd, Tri-County STEMersion, and the International Literacy Association.
Scheaffer prioritizes building strong relationships with students, believing that a positive connection is the
foundation for academic and personal success. She goes above and beyond to enhance the middle school experience by attending sporting events, performing arts nights, and engaging in collaborative pod projects such as ASD and Whoville-themed pod decorating. Her commitment extends to making positive "deposits" through regular interactions, such as phone calls and emails, and celebrating students with programs like Student of the Month. Scheaffer values observing students excel beyond the classroom, whether in orchestra, chorus, art, or entrepreneurship and recognizes the importance of involving parents as vital partners in the educational process.
Crystal Herron
Herron is in her eighth year as a science teacher. She joined Charleston Charter School of Math and Science two years ago. She holds her scholars to high standards and has unwavering expectations for their success, but what truly sets her apart is the warmth and care she combines with this rigor. Herron creates an environment where scholars are challenged to reach their fullest potential while feeling fully supported. Her classroom is a dynamic and engaging space, with lessons rich in interactive activities, real-life examples, and opportunities for scholars to explore their intelligence.
Herron is a College of Charleston graduate with a master's degree in Education for Math and Science for Educators. Professional memberships include 25 Ton Master Captain, SeaSchool; Basic Archery Instructor, National Archery in Schools Program; Responsive Classroom for Middle School, Responsive Classroom; PBLWorks for Middle School Science, Buck Institute for Educators; and Coastal Master Naturalist, Coastal Master Naturalist Association.
Herron strengthens and improves the teaching profession through her dedication to innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning. She consistently seeks opportunities to enhance science education by incorporating hands-on experiences, real-world applications, and interdisciplinary learning. Her leadership in STEM initiatives, such as expanding the SeaPerch program and spearheading the freshman STEMester experience, sets a high standard for engaging and impactful instruction.
Eric Wilkinson
Wilkinson has been a teacher for 23 years including 17 with CCSD at Wando High School. He provides high-quality instruction to students at all levels, from entry-level to advanced. By maintaining rigorous and engaging standards, he ensures that every student has the opportunity to excel in music education, regardless of their starting point. This inclusive approach ensures that all students receive the same high-caliber educational experience regardless of academic background. Also, by teaching all levels of students, Wilkinson knows the importance of what is needed to succeed at a high level and makes sure to differentiate instruction across all levels of students.
Wilkinson holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Music degree from the University of South Carolina. Professional memberships include the South Carolina Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and National Association for Music Education.
Wilkinson’s most significant contributions lie in preparing students for success and creating extraordinary opportunities for them to showcase their talents. His work extends far beyond the classroom, enabling students to perform in some of the most iconic venues in the world. Highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall (2011), St. Peter’s Basilica (2013, 2016, and 2024), and Pearl Harbor (2019), where students connected with history and culture through their music.
Megan Kee
Kee has been teaching for just over four years, joining West Ashley High School in 2020. As an Algebra 1 teacher and a PLC Leader over the past several years, Kee has seen a 26 percent increase in the end-of-course exam (EOC) pass rate, a 23 percent increase in scores of 70 and above, and a nearly 50 percent decrease in the failure rate among students of color. She has also formatted and written supplements for an Algebra 1 Workbook to be used across all course sections, as well as the district pacing guide for Math Assistance. Kee also teaches summer school to assist in Credit Recovery in all Math courses.
The Clemson graduate also holds a Master of Science in Education (Comparative and International Education) from the University of Oxford (2019) and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Secondary) from The Citadel. Professional memberships include the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2018-2022) and the South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Kee is committed to building systems that she would want for her own children, ensuring all students feel they belong.
For more information, contact the Division of Communications at (843) 937-6303.