Kaitlyn Rhodes, a horticulture instructor at the S.C. Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, is a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year, according to the S.C. Department of Education.
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Education.
Kaitlyn Rhodes, a horticulture instructor at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, has been named a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year, according to the S.C. Department of Education.
Rhodes leads the Governor’s School’s sustainability mission, working with students toward a goal of producing 50% of the campus’s own food through greenhouse management, hydroponics, specialty crops and other agricultural production, according to the department.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and a master’s degree in Diverse Learners Education from Lander University, according to the department. She serves as a Chapter FFA Advisor and as coordinator for the National Young Farmer Educational Association, guiding youth and adult members in leadership development and agricultural advocacy, and coordinates young farmer programs that offer continuing agricultural education and financial literacy training to producers in the community, according to the department.
“Kaitlyn Rhodes is a perfect example of an educator who truly blooms where she’s planted,” State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said, according to the department. “Her lifelong roots in South Carolina agriculture — along with the teachers and mentors who inspired her to lead boldly, think critically, and use her voice — solidified her belief that agricultural education is one of the most powerful pathways for shaping confident, capable, community-minded young people.”
“Mrs. Rhodes exemplifies excellence in agricultural education through her dedication to student success, hands-on learning, and leadership development,” said Dr. Timothy Keown, president of the Governor’s School for Agriculture, according to the department. “We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and are proud to have her as part of the Aggie family!”
As a finalist, Rhodes will receive $10,000 and advance to an interview with a panel of judges, according to the department. The overall winner receives $25,000 and the use of a BMW for one year while serving as a roving ambassador and state spokesperson for more than 65,000 educators, according to the department. The State Teacher of the Year will be announced April 23 in Columbia, according to the department.
