BCSD names five Teacher of the Year finalists

Beaufort County School District has named five finalists for its 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year award, with the winner scheduled to be announced in September.

The district announced the finalists July 31 during its back-to-school professional development day at Bluffton High School.

The finalists are Michele Eastham, a business teacher at Hilton Head Island High School; Kelly Hall, a theater teacher at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy; Feronica Hamilton-Pierce, an English teacher at Whale Branch Early College High School; Siobhan McCann, a librarian at Okatie Elementary School; and Susan Seckinger, a literacy coach at Port Royal Elementary School.

Each school’s Teacher of the Year was invited to apply for the district honor. A selection committee reviewed the applications and chose the five finalists.
A second committee will interview the finalists in person before selecting the District Teacher of the Year. The winner will be eligible to apply for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year honor.

finalists for their work with students and their school communities.

“Our Teacher of the Year finalists represent the very best of Beaufort County School District,” Rodriguez said. “Through their dedication to student achievement, leadership, and service, they inspire excellence in their classrooms and throughout their school communities.”