Richland Two Announces 2024-2025 District Teacher of the Year

The 2024-2025 District Teacher of the Year for Richland School District Two is Rona Stuart, a Social Studies teacher at Spring Valley High School. Superintendent Dr. Kim D. Moore and other district leaders made the surprise announcement yesterday at Spring Valley High during one of her lessons. 

Stuart was overwhelmed with tears of joy as the superintendent announced her as the new District Teacher of the Year.

“I am honored because I love my students and pouring into them. They are our future, and it is so important to pour into them so that they can see the promise of America. I enjoy teaching them our history, where we can go and what this life has to offer. If I can help them on that path, I have done my job,” said Stuart.

Stuart says her greatest contribution to education has been helping children be well informed citizens. Today, she was teaching her students a lesson that involved Sojourner Truth, an American abolitionist and activist for African American civil rights and women’s rights. One of her students eloquently noted how Stuart, who is Black, was teaching a lesson about another remarkable Black woman born into slavery and who could not read, when she heard the announcement that she is the district’s top teacher. 

Upon entering the College of Charleston as a first-year student, Stuart thought she wanted to go to law school to become a prosecuting attorney but changed her mind after working in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She remembered her 11th grade US History teacher, Mrs. Townsend, who made an impact on her life, and decided to follow her instead. Stuart began her educational career in neighboring Richland School District One in 2010 and was responsible for teaching the state Social Studies standards. 

Jeff Temoney is principal of Spring Valley High School. "As we celebrate Ms. Stuart as our District Teacher of the Year, we recognize an extraordinary educator who represents the finest qualities of teaching and student engagement. Ms. Stuart inspires students from diverse backgrounds. Her commitment to her students enriches lives and reminds us all of the incredible influence a devoted teacher can wield. As the Instructional Leader of our Social Studies Department, she supports other educators with her creative leadership and steadfast dedication," Temoney said. 

Stuart holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the College of Charleston and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education, Social Studies from the University of South Carolina. She is pursuing a Doctor of Education from Walden University.

Last month, the district announced five finalists for District Teacher of the Year. They included Hannah Cummings, Round Top Elementary School; Yoko Hughes, Bookman Road Elementary School; Julie Russell, Blythewood High School; and Dr. Nicola Smiling, Longleaf Middle School.

Stuart will represent Richland Two as she competes for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.