Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to our Teachers of the Year!
In November, 2024, teachers were recognized by their peers as the Teacher of the Year for their respective schools and are now eligible to vie for the distinction of being named the HCS Teacher of the Year.
Ten semifinalists will be chosen by the District’s Teacher of the Year Selection Committee after a review of written applications submitted by school winners. Following a further review of semifinalists’ portfolios and interviews with the committee, the group of semifinalists will narrow to five finalists. One of those five will be named the 2026 HCS Teacher of the Year.
The 2026 Teacher of the Year Semifinalists
Congratulations to our 2026 Teacher of the Year Semifinalists!
- Jodi Rielly - Academy for the Arts, Science & Technology
- James Walker - Aynor Middle
- Shelly Reathaford - Carolina Forest High
- Maurice Sheffield - Conway Middle
- Sandra Shores - Forestbrook Middle
- Michelle Bozio - Socastee Middle
- Tabitha Gilliard - South Conway Elementary
- Danielle McColl - St. James Intermediate
- Emily Riefler - St. James Middle
- JoLynn Prochaska - Ten Oaks Middle
- 2024-2025 School-Level Teachers of the Year
- 2025 Teacher of the Year, Joey Hernandez
- 2025 Top 5 Teacher of the Finalists
- 2025 Top Ten Teacher of the Year Semifinalists
- 2023-2024 School-Level Teachers of the Year
2024-2025 School-Level Teachers of the Year
2025 Teacher of the Year, Joey Hernandez
About Horry County Schools
Horry County Schools is inspiring possibilities for student success through a broad range of unique teaching and learning opportunities.
Horry (pronounced O-Ree) County Schools is made up of 56 schools within nine attendance areas: Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Green Sea Floyds, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, and St. James. Horry County Schools has more than 48,000 students and is South Carolina’s third-largest school district.