An educator from River Oaks Middle School in Dorchester School District Two is a finalist for the Induction Teacher of the Year Award through the South Carolina ASCD.

Mr. Quinlan Gray, ROMS Strings Teacher and Orchestra Director, is one of just five statewide finalists for the honor that highlights exceptional first-year teachers. Mr. Gray was DDTwo’s award nominee for the 2021-2022 school year.

A panel of educators considered nominees’ teaching philosophy, classroom environment, instructional strategies and goals, home-school connections and relationships, professionalism, and professional reflection.

“It is such an honor to be named as a finalist for this award and to represent our district at the statewide level,” Mr. Gray said. “I would like to thank the staff, administration, parents, and students of River Oaks Middle School who have supported me to succeed, encouraged me through difficulties, and have made it a pure joy to come to work each and every day. At River Oaks, I am proud to be part of One Team, with One Spirit, focused on One Goal.”

SCASCD will announce the Induction Teacher of the Year Award recipient on Oct. 7.