Laurens Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) proudly announces Breana Spears being named by the South Carolina Association for Teaching, Learning, and Leading (SCATLL) as a 2024-2025 State Induction Teacher Top 5 Finalist. The SCATLL, formerly known as the South Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (SCASCD), has the primary mission of improving the teaching and learning of all students. They provide meaningful professional development, sponsor awards and recognitions for schools and teachers who are making a positive difference. Spears will be recognized at the SCATLL Conference on January 26, 2026.
Spears is currently LCSD 55’s Induction Teacher of the Year and qualified to apply for the State Title. Spears is in her second year of teaching Music at Ford Elementary School (FES). She was inspired by her mother to become a teacher. Her mom taught choir and made music feel magical. Watching her mom instill a love of music in her students inspired Breana to create meaningful musical experiences in her own classroom. Spears loves teaching music because it allows her to help students discover the joy and meaning that music can bring to their lives.
Breana Spears said, “Whether students are creating, singing, or learning to play an instrument, I value helping them experience a music education that encourages curiosity, expression, and creativity.”
Beyond instructional excellence, Spears demonstrates a deep commitment to building relationships. She takes time to learn each student’s strengths and challenges, ensuring every child feels valued and included. Whether it is through preparing students for performances, leading school-wide musical events, or integrating music into core content areas, Spears consistently elevates the school community and creates experiences that students will remember for years to come.
Breana feels humbled and honored by the recognition. She mentioned that her husband, family, and the Ford Family are her biggest supporters and sources of encouragement. She also shared her thoughts on how having a welcoming and supportive school and district helps her teach with joy.
“I love teaching at FES because I am surrounded by such a supportive administration and staff. They are very supportive of my music program and have truly made Ford feel like a second home to me,” shared Spears.
She continued, “Laurens 55 has been very welcoming and works diligently to support their staff. I am thankful for the recent focus on the fine arts across our district and how they are providing resources and opportunities to further benefit our programs. It has helped me feel supported throughout the school year.”
The FES Family highly admires Breana. Her mentor, Art Teacher Karen Madden, has plenty of positive things to say. “I am thrilled that Breana Spears is a finalist for the South Carolina Induction Teacher of the Year. Her energy and passion are contagious! You can't be in her classroom and not smile the entire time. She is constant motion, encouragement, and positivity, and she has inspired me these last two years. I've learned as much from her as I hope she's been encouraged by me. The students adore her and respect her.”
FES Principal Kim Penland expressed her delight, too. “I am very proud of Mrs. Spears for her accomplishment and for what she does for our students at Ford each day. When watching her in action while instructing her students, it is hard to believe that she is only a second-year teacher. The instructional strategies she employs to motivate her students and deliver age-appropriate music content are so effective that she demonstrates the depth of knowledge and expertise typically seen in veteran educators. She has established an environment that radiates joy, creativity, and high expectations. Students leave her class not only with stronger musical skills, but also with greater confidence, teamwork, resilience, and pure joy and excitement,” said Principal Penland.
Similarly, at the district level, administrators and staff have wonderful things to share about Breana Spears. LCSD 55 Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland said, “I am very excited for the well-deserved recognition of Breana. Her passion, enthusiasm, and excitement for teaching are so contagious. She pours her heart and soul into the students at Ford Elementary. She has a full dedication to exposing and providing in-depth experiences for her students. Her passion for music education is also exemplified through her volunteer work with the church youth music team.”
“I’m excited to hear that Breana has been selected as a finalist for the Induction Teacher of the Year with the State of South Carolina. She is passionate about making a difference in her students' lives through music and excellent teaching,” said Alicia Scott.
Alicia Scott is the LCSD 55 Human Resources Department Special Projects Coordinator. Scott oversees the district’s Induction and Mentoring Program. She is proud of the district’s support for Breana Spears and all LCSD 55 teachers working towards a professional certificate. Last year, Olivia Sadorf at Laurens Elementary School was also named a South Carolina Induction Teacher of the Year Finalist. Scott encourages aspiring teachers to consider being part of Building a 5-Star Culture of Excellence in Laurens 55. Interested parties may email Alicia Scott at aascott@laurens55.org.
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