News Summary
Corey Bedenbaugh, a social studies teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School, has been honored as the 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during the annual ‘Gala in the Garden.’ Bedenbaugh receives a 2025 BMW X5, a $25,000 cash award, and will advocate for over 64,000 educators in the state. His commitment to education reflects a broader focus on recognizing and supporting teaching excellence in South Carolina.
Columbia, SC — Corey Bedenbaugh, a dedicated social studies teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School, has been named the 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made by State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver during the South Carolina Department of Education’s annual “Gala in the Garden” hosted at the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia. This prestigious title highlights Bedenbaugh’s commitment to education and recognizes his significant contributions to fostering a conducive learning environment.
As part of his honor, Bedenbaugh received a brand-new 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i from BMW Manufacturing, which has served as the program’s premier sponsor for 28 years. This luxury vehicle, presented to him in a striking Dravit Gray Metallic finish, features high-end specifications including Black Sensafin Upholstery, 20-inch M Star-Spoke Bicolor wheels, run-flat tires, an M Sport professional package, M Sport exhaust system, M Sport brakes with red calipers, M Shadowline lights, and extended Shadowline trim. He will utilize this BMW X5 during his year-long tenure as South Carolina’s public education ambassador.
In addition to the vehicle, Bedenbaugh will also receive a $25,000 cash award, a set of Michelin tires, a $2,000 Bojangles award, an exclusive Jostens Teacher of the Year ring, and complimentary participation in Leadership South Carolina. Throughout his time as Teacher of the Year, Bedenbaugh will act as the spokesperson for over 64,000 educators in the state, sharing their voices and advocating for educational initiatives.
Reflecting on his recognition, Bedenbaugh emphasized the importance of learning and the role of educators in shaping future generations. He expressed gratitude to all teachers who have influenced his career, including mentors from Saluda County schools and professors at Newberry College. He underscored the teaching philosophy that centers on building relationships and preparing students for their future.
This year’s Teacher of the Year program comes at a time when South Carolina continues to prioritize education and support for its educators. The initiative aims to honor those who achieve excellence in teaching and to encourage a broader public conversation about the profession. By recognizing outstanding teachers like Bedenbaugh, the state highlights the critical role educators play in the development and empowerment of their students.
Touching on broader economic themes, BMW Manufacturing, which has heavily invested in South Carolina, reported that the company has allocated over $14.8 billion to its operations in the state since 1992. The company operates the largest BMW Group plant globally, producing over 1,500 vehicles daily and exporting to 120 markets. Notably, approximately 57% of the vehicles produced in Spartanburg are exported, making it the largest automotive exporter by value in the U.S. for more than a decade. Looking ahead, projections indicate that close to 50% of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. will be manufactured in Plant Spartanburg by 2024. The plant boasts an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles and employs more than 11,000 people.
In summary, Corey Bedenbaugh’s recognition as Teacher of the Year highlights both his individual contributions to education and the larger context of support for teachers in South Carolina, alongside the economic impact of key industries such as automotive manufacturing within the state.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Greenville Journal
- Google Search: South Carolina Teacher of the Year
- Independent Mail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google News: Corey Bedenbaugh
- ABC News 4
