WAHS French teacher Julia Royall is a top-five finalist for CCSD 2024 Teacher of the Year
from Staff Reports
Charleston County School District (CCSD) officials surprised five teachers last month by announcing their selection as the Top Five Finalists for 2024 Teacher of the Year. CCSD Superintendent of Schools, Anita Huggins, presented each finalist with flowers and a plaque. At each stop along the route, CCSD shared live announcements and updates on its social media platforms (@CCSDConnects).
One of the five finalists will take over the reins from the district’s current Teacher of the Year, Spencer Quinlan, of Springfield Elementary School here in West Ashley. Hoping to keep the title on our side of the river, West Ashley High School (WAHS) French teacher Julia Royall was named as one of the five finalists. Back in January, WAHS principal Ryan Cumback presented Royall with the honor of being the school’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. Now she’s in the top five running for the district crown. The winner of the 2024 CCSD Teacher of the Year award will be announced next month.
Royall earned a bachelor’s degree in French from the College of Charleston, and her teaching career spans 20 years. She has been at WAHS for the last three years.
Royall’s professional memberships include President of the American Association of Teachers of French and South Carolina Chapter Regional Representative, and South Carolina Fellowship of Language Educators.
Royall says that her greatest contributions and accomplishments in education are her ability to establish relationships with students and colleagues, her involvement in her school and community, and her passion for and knowledge of the content. However, her most important contribution is her commitment to all students’ learning and growth. Every child in Royall’s classroom is seen, valued, and respected.
Other candidates are Grace Barry (Septima P. Clark Academy), David Bonezzi (Carolina Park Elementary School), Catherine “McKenna” Hakanson (North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary School), and Stevie Shirey (North Charleston High School).
