A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Braden Wilson, AN eighth grade social studies teacher at Palmetto Middle SCHOOL IN Anderson SCHOOL DISTRICT One, AND TO CONGRATULATE HER FOR BEING NAMED THE South carolina TEACHER OF THE YEAR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to learn that Anderson School District One eighth grade history teacher Braden Wilson was named the 2025 South Carolina Teacher of the Year at an event for that honor on Thursday, April 25, 2024; and

Whereas, intended to showcase outstanding professional educators who exemplify the ideals of the educational profession and whose efforts and example have inspired others, the Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers who demonstrate admirable leadership and excellence in teaching; and

Whereas, Ms. Wilson's infectious passion for making history come alive for her eighth graders at Palmetto Middle School is truly inspiring as she seeks to develop the next generation of civic-literate South Carolinians; and

Whereas, currently in her tenth year as a career educator, she believes teaching children history provides students with an opportunity to explore what they love while making sense of the world around them; and

Whereas, Ms. Wilson discovers student interests and cultivates experiences that make history engaging and relatable for every learner, hoping to inspire students to make their own unique mark on history; and

Whereas, prior to starting her teaching career, she was a teaching fellow at Anderson University, where she was the Social Studies Teacher Candidate of the Year. She earned a master's degree in teacher leadership from Walden University, as well as a master's degree in administration and supervision from Anderson University; and

Whereas, as part of the state Teacher of the Year awards program, Ms. Wilson will receive twenty-five thousand dollars, a brand-new BMW for one year, and professional development opportunities; and

Whereas, considered one of the country's strongest, the South Carolina Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on a district, state, and national level. These awards not only assist in retention efforts but serve as a powerful recruitment tool; and

Whereas, as the South Carolina Teacher of the Year, Ms. Wilson will serve for one school year as a roving ambassador providing mentoring, attending speaking engagements, working with teacher cadets and teaching fellows, leading the State Teacher Forum, and serving as the state spokesperson for over sixty-four thousand educators; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly values the work of dedicated educators in the Palmetto State, like Braden Wilson, who devote themselves to our youth by helping them to prepare to become productive citizens. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Braden Wilson, an eighth grade social studies teacher at Palmetto Middle School in Anderson School District One, and congratulate her for being named the South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Braden Wilson.

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