Dr. Christie Palladino, a biomedical science teacher at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center (ACCTC), has made history as the first Career and Technology Education (CTE) teacher from the Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD) to be named a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year. As the current 2025–2026 ACPSD Teacher of the Year, Dr. Palladino’s transition from a career as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and medical researcher to the classroom has been nothing short of inspirational. Over her twelve-year teaching career, she has utilized her expertise, including a Doctor of Medicine and over 100 peer-reviewed publications, to lead the district’s biomedical science program and create the innovative Biommersive Capstone Course, which prepares students for high-stakes careers in healthcare.
The momentous news of her state-level recognition was delivered as a surprise today at Highland Springs Middle School, where Dr. Palladino was setting up her Biomedical Outreach Lab. This unique initiative involves Dr. Palladino and her students traveling to elementary, middle, and high schools across the District to conduct hands-on science experiments for younger students. State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver personally surprised Dr. Palladino during the setup and remained to observe her in action, watching firsthand as Dr. Palladino and her students prepared the interactive labs. Superintendent Weaver was joined by a delegation of proud District leaders, including ACPSD Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy, Chief Officer of Instruction Dr. Amy Edwards, Assistant Superintendent of High School Mr. Bert Postell, ACCTC Principal David Harris, and CTE Executive Director Kenny Lott.
As a state finalist, Dr. Palladino will receive a $10,000 award and advance to the final stage of the competition, which includes an interview with a panel of expert judges. If named the overall State Teacher of the Year on April 23 in Columbia, she will receive a total of $25,000 and the use of a brand-new BMW for one year while serving as a roving ambassador for South Carolina’s 65,000 educators. The entire ACPSD community is incredibly proud of Dr. Palladino for her unwavering commitment to putting students at the center of every lesson and for representing the very best of Aiken County on the state level.
