Corey Bedenbaugh, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School, was named the 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Bedenbaugh made history becoming Lexington County School District Three's first-ever South Carolina Teacher of the Year winner. 

Bedenbaugh received this prestigious honor on Thursday, April 24, at the South Carolina Department of Education’s annual Gala in the Garden held at the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia. 

“Corey is an educator whose quiet impact goes far beyond the classroom walls,” South Carolina Superintendent Ellen Weaver said. “His passion, leadership, and heart for building up his students embody the very best of the teaching profession. I can’t wait to see the positive catalyst Corey will be to elevate and celebrate the art of teaching at this exciting time of opportunity in South Carolina education.”

The other finalists, Terri Ivester from Anderson School District Three; Jennifer Nelson from Hampton County School District; Miranda Grice from Lexington County School District Four and Taylor Carvajal from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, were all in attendance.

“Teaching is truly more than just a profession, it’s a calling,” Bedenbaugh said. “When our students become doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, mechanics and community leaders, they will remember what we have done as teachers to prepare them for the paths they have taken.”

Bedenbaugh received $25,000 and was given a BMW for one year as he serves as a roving ambassador. As a roving ambassador, he will attend events, provide mentoring, work with teacher cadets and fellows and become the state spokesperson for over 64,000 educators as he leads the state teacher forum.