BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - Tuesday, two educators who taught at Whale Branch Middle last year were surprised with significant state-funded awards at a Board of Education meeting.

The awards recognize their outstanding teaching that led to measurable student academic growth.

The recognition is part of a state-funded pilot program created by the South Carolina General Assembly to support innovative and strategic educator compensation across public school districts and charter schools. The pilot, extended through the 2025-2026 school year, recognizes and rewards teachers whose work is directly connected to student achievement.

Based on the criteria of the program, Whale Branch Middle School was selected for funding. The district implemented the State Collaboration Approach, which bases awards

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