IRMO – Sixteen teachers at Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet in Lexington-Richland School District Five were recognized on October 27, 2025, for exceptional performance in the classroom. Each educator received a performance-based bonus as part of the South Carolina Department of Education’s (SCDE) Strategic Compensation Pilot Program.
Launched earlier this year, the pilot rewards educators for measurable student growth. Participating schools used one of three models—state assessment or End-of-Course assessment growth, interim assessment growth, or district-designed plans—to identify and honor teachers driving academic progress.
The recognized Seven Oaks teachers are:
John Byrd, Jennifer Chandler, Jennifer Clyburn, Jasmine Cohen, Kathryn Griffin, Rehana Hakimji, Brooke Hill, Brittany Owens, Kasey Porter, Natasha Pyles, Nautica Roberts, Chelsey Riley, Nicole Ruff, Angela Sainz, Myralyn Small, and Heidi Williams.
Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet implemented the Excellence in Teaching (EIT) Model, in which eligible teachers received awards based on student progress and achievement tied to fall-to-spring interim ELA and Math assessments.
Program highlights at Seven Oaks include:
- More than 85% of students are identified as Pupils in Poverty (PIP), yet the school exceeded the state’s projected award averages based on student results.
- 86% of eligible teachers received an award — the highest percentage among all pilot schools using the EIT model.
- The average award amount was over $7,500.
“We’ve seen firsthand just how powerful this program can be for our teachers—and most importantly, for our students,” said Seven Oaks Elementary Principal Dr. Angie Slatton. “Our educators pour their hearts into helping every child grow, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that commitment recognized. We hope to continue partnering with SCDE in this program and see it grow to include all educators.”
Across the state, more than $2.5 million in total awards were distributed in the first round of the pilot, with over 400 teachers across 37 schools receiving recognition. The average individual award across all models was $6,300.
“This Strategic Compensation Pilot is a small—but concrete—part of our larger plan to recognize the hard work our educators invest in their students every single day,” said State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver. “Behind every data point in this program is a teacher who encouraged a struggling student, sparked a love of learning, and refused to let challenges stand in the way of growth. When that kind of dedication closes learning gaps and catapults students forward, it deserves to be celebrated and rewarded.”
The SCDE has secured an additional $5 million to continue the pilot during the 2025–26 school year, expanding eligibility to include more schools and educators statewide. Superintendent Weaver also plans to request state funding for a third year of the Strategic Compensation Pilot Program in the upcoming state budget.
