Dr. Carson Kleinknecht Named Teacher of the Year in Florence School District 1
FLORENCE, S.C.— In a heartwarming recognition of dedication and passion for education, Dr. Carson Kleinknecht has been honored as Florence School District 1’s Teacher of the Year. Now, just to clarify, Kleinknecht’s journey to becoming an educator is anything but ordinary.
A Unique Learning Journey
Unlike many who breeze through school as model students, Kleinknecht described herself as a difficult learner. She has often found herself struggling in traditional educational settings. However, she credits the teachers who adapted their methods to suit her “different style” of learning for igniting her passion for teaching. “It was the teachers who tossed the textbooks and engaged me with hands-on approaches that truly made a difference,” Kleinknecht shared. This early support would eventually blossom into her desire to give back as an educator.
Dr. Kleinknecht’s roots in education run deep; she is a proud product of Florence 1 Schools. She attended Delmae Elementary School—the very same school where she has been teaching for the past nine years. As the school’s STEM lab teacher, she has embraced innovative approaches to learning.
A Lifelong Commitment to Learning
After graduating from West Florence High School, Kleinknecht went on to earn her degree in early childhood education from Francis Marion University, where she also played on the university’s softball team. Following in her mother’s footsteps—who spent 38 years teaching at West Florence High—Kleinknecht made education her life’s mission.
Determined to further her knowledge, she pursued a master’s degree in instructional technology at Coastal Carolina University and later received her PhD in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University. Her dissertation explored the effects of teacher exhaustion on primary educators, a topic very close to her heart, especially after experiencing the challenges of motherhood with her identical twin girls.
An Advocate for Encouragement
“This journey really opened my eyes to the importance of encouragement,” Kleinknecht expressed. “We need to be each other’s cheerleaders.” She recognizes that many teachers lack the support they need, which can lead to them leaving the profession too soon. With a fiery determination, her mission is to provide support and resources to enhance teacher retention in Florence and ensure that no child is left behind.
Embracing Challenge with Optimism
With a motto that embodies her positive outlook, Kleinknecht explains, “The pain only hurts a little while.” She laughs about how she prefers to “sprint” through challenges rather than “jog,” showcasing her proactive attitude toward obstacles. Kleinknecht believes that every tough moment is merely a stepping stone toward success, and she shares that outlook with her students and fellow educators alike.
A Content Spirit in Education
In light of her recent accolade, many are left wondering what her next steps will be. Kleinknecht humbly states, “Right now, I feel so content in what I’m doing. The difference I am making in the classroom is what matters most.” She embraces the ideology of following where God leads her, firmly grounded in her commitment to serve the flourishing community of Florence.
Support from the School Community
Delmae Elementary’s principal, Roy Ann Jolley, praises Kleinknecht for being a true Delmae doll. “She not only teaches in the lab but takes every opportunity to provide valuable learning experiences for our students beyond the regular classroom,” Jolley said.
In a world filled with challenges, educators like Dr. Carson Kleinknecht shine brightly as beacons of hope, proving that with the right support and dedication, teachers can inspire and elevate entire communities. As she continues her journey, there’s no doubt that her commitment to education will leave a lasting impact on Florence.
