Spark Spotlight Teacher: Renee Atkinson
Renee’ Atkinson is the 2024 SC Teacher of the Year and the 2023 Horry County Schools Teacher of the Year. This is her 22nd year serving the SC Public School System with 17 years of service in Horry County. “I'm still overwhelmed,” Renee says of being selected as teacher of the year. “I never expected an honor or accolade of this magnitude in my career. I am humbled to represent a group of over 50,000 people who have made serving the children of South Carolina a life commitment. There is honestly no greater privilege.”
In 2002, she received a Bachelor’s Degree from Clemson University in History with a minor in English and her teaching certification in Secondary English. In 2004, she received a Master’s in Education from Francis Marion University in Secondary English. In 2009, she received National Board Certification in English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood. In 2013, she received her Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. Atkinson is endorsed to teach AP Literature and Composition, AP Language and Composition, and IB English A: Literature. In addition, she has served as a reader and examiner for both College Board and the IB.
1. How long have you been a teacher?
I am beginning my 24th year in education. I taught two years at Pee Dee Academy before transitioning to the SC Public School system in 2004. I have also been an adjunct professor and have taught dual-enrollment classes during my career.
2. What caused you to want to become a teacher?
I often joke that I did not want to be a teacher, but I really did not think I wanted to be a teacher when I went to college. My Teacher Cadet supervisor, Mrs. Mandy Jordan (who was also my 5th grade teacher), encouraged me to consider teaching as a profession after my Teacher Cadet experience my senior year of high school, but at the time, I was interested in Physical Therapy or Athletic Training. I changed my major a few times while I was at Clemson University, but I never felt like I was in the right place until I put my focus on education as a career. I helped with Vacation Bible School while I was in high school and college; I taught swimming lessons. I was always at my best when I was helping others. When I started my internship experience at Pendleton High School, I knew the classroom was where I was meant to be.
3. What do you most enjoy about teaching?
Building relationships with my students (and their families), teaching my students to believe in themselves, and helping my students find their passion is what I most enjoy about teaching.
4. What is your favorite subject to teach?
I love teaching English and getting students to find joy in reading, and I enjoy teaching them the historical context of the literature we read.
5. What is most important to you as a teacher?
I am excited about what I do, and I want my students to be excited about coming into my classroom every day. I try to greet each student by name and with a smile as they enter my room each day, even when I might not be feeling my best. That simple act always has the power to make my day brighter. And even though my job is demanding, I love what I do, and I want my students to know that I love what I do. Most importantly, I want every child who walks into my classroom to know they are seen, they are valued, they are loved, and they have an adult in their lives who will never give up on them.
6. What is most rewarding about being a teacher?
The most rewarding thing as a teacher is seeing a child achieve more than they thought was possible, whether that's passing a test, getting into the college of their dreams, earning an award or a scholarship, or getting their dream job. As a teacher, we see our students' potential, but sometimes the realization of that potential takes longer for our students to see. So, whether that spark happens this year, or 15 years from now, teachers are always excited to see their students' accomplishments.
7. When someone walks into your classroom, what do you want them to see?
When visitors walk into my classroom, I want them to see students who feel safe, comfortable, and joyful in an engaging learning environment and a teacher who is giving her best to ensure they reach their goals.
