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Candi Tucker, a Civics teacher at Washington High School (WHS), has been named the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year for Beaufort County Schools (BCS). The award was announced at the Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet held at Beaufort County Community College on May 15. The ceremony, sponsored by Beaufort County Farm Bureau, highlighted Tucker’s outstanding contributions to education and her unwavering commitment to her students and the community.

“I am so honored to be chosen as the BCS Teacher of the Year,” said Tucker. “I am fortunate that I have a job that I love and am excited every day to come to work. WHS is such a special place – we have so much potential and hope to be a great school for our community.”

Tucker’s dedication to her students goes beyond the classroom. She actively engages with other faculty members across the district, participating in various activities aimed at enhancing student success.

“I work with other faculty across the district in various activities and know that they each want our students to be challenged and successful both in the classroom and in whatever their adult plans will be,” Tucker added.

Students at WHS expressed their admiration and gratitude for Tucker’s exceptional teaching methods and her positive impact on their lives.

“Mrs. Tucker always goes above and beyond her regular teaching expectations to ensure students are well educated and prepared for anything life throws our way,” shared Mollie Cooper, a senior at WHS. “Her efforts within extra activities outside of academics create a sense of belonging and community at WHS.”

Tucker’s philosophy of teaching emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and challenging learning environment. Her approach encourages students to express their opinions and engage in meaningful discussions about current events, government and politics.

“Every student in my class is encouraged to have their opinions and beliefs on any topic but to be able to provide support and reasoning and to never disparage anyone else in the room for their stance,” wrote Tucker in her Teacher of the Year application.

The award was presented by Dr. Matthew Cheeseman, Superintendent for BCS, and Keith Waters, President of the Beaufort County Farm Bureau.

“Candi Tucker exemplifies the dedication, passion and commitment that make our teachers extraordinary,” said Cheeseman. “Her innovative teaching methods and unwavering support for her students have set a standard of excellence at WHS and across BCS. We are incredibly proud to honor her as our Teacher of the Year, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impact she will have on our community.”

As Tucker takes on the role of Teacher of the Year, she hopes to continue supporting her colleagues and inspiring her students.

“We truly want the best for our students who will one day be our neighbors – we work to make sure they are the type of neighbor we really want to live and work with,” emphasized Tucker.

Tucker will now go on to compete for the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Northeast Region Teacher of the Year.