Florence Honors Carson Kleinknecht as Teacher of the Year at Annual Gala

Florence Celebrates Outstanding Educator: Carson Kleinknecht Named Teacher of the Year

Florence, SC—The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as the Florence 1 School District honored its exceptional educators during the annual gala on September 24th. The star of the evening was Carson Kleinknecht, a dedicated STEM teacher at Delmae Elementary School, who was awarded Florence 1 Schools Teacher of the Year. This prestigious recognition also paves the way for her to compete in the race for the 2025 State Teacher of the Year award.

Honoring the Heart of Education

As Kleinknecht gracefully accepted her award, she expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I am so incredibly honored. I am surrounded by amazing educators.” Her connection to the community runs deep, as she herself is a proud graduate of the FSD1 school system. She fondly recollected the profound impact her teachers had on her life, declaring, “If it weren’t for the educators that shaped me into the person I am today, I would not be here.”

During the gala, attendees enjoyed an evening of celebration, recognizing the hard work and achievements of educators throughout the district. The School Foundation, established in 2000 as a nonprofit organization, has made incredible strides in supporting teachers and students by raising essential funds. With a remarkable $2,266,362.97 donated to the district so far, the foundation awarded $143,000 in grants to support five schools this past year alone.

A Call to Appreciate Teachers

Florence 1 Superintendent Richard O’Malley took a moment to address those in attendance, urging the community to recognize the dedication of educators. “If you want to help the school district, just do one simple thing: Thank a teacher,” he said. O’Malley emphasized the importance of acknowledging the hard work and commitment that teachers like Kleinknecht exhibit daily, not just towards their students, but also to their broader community.

A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Kleinknecht’s journey as an educator began at Delmae Elementary, where she has spent the last ten years making a positive impact on the lives of more than 900 students in grades one through five. Beyond her teaching role, she has taken on various responsibilities, including acting as a mentor teacher and securing over $5,000 in grants to enhance STEM education. Her efforts have also played a crucial role in achieving STEM accreditation for the school.

Her belief in connecting classroom learning with real-world applications resonates in her teaching philosophy. “Educators must connect classroom learning with community impact,” Kleinknecht stated, highlighting her vision for hands-on experiences that inspire both intellectual and social growth for her students. This enthusiasm for education has earned her praise from Delmae Elementary Principal Roy Ann Jolley, who remarked, “Carson does much more than teach in the lab. She uses every opportunity she has to provide learning opportunities for our students beyond the regular classroom.”

Research and Resilience

Apart from her engaging teaching methods, Kleinknecht is also a published researcher. Her work focuses on understanding teacher burnout and identifying ways to improve teacher retention. “By proactively addressing potential sources of exhaustion and burnout, I aim to support new teachers in building resilience,” she notes. Kleinknecht understands that the well-being of teachers is fundamental to the success of their students.

The selection process for the Teacher of the Year was rigorous, involving a monthslong series of written applications and interviews with a panel of judges. With her passion, expertise, and commitment, Kleinknecht stood out among four finalists.

Looking Forward

As she steps into this new role, Kleinknecht is ready to represent Florence 1 Schools on the state level. This recognition is not just a testament to her dedication but also to the vibrant community that supports the educators in Florence. “It’s an honor to be here and to have the opportunity to shape young minds,” she concluded, embodying the essence of what it means to be an impactful educator.

Florence is undoubtedly lucky to have such a passionate teacher leading the way in shaping the future for its students. With the right support and recognition, educators like Carson Kleinknecht can continue to inspire and nurture the next generation.