Literacy is Equity in the World
Brooke Bridges, the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year for Lexington/Richland Five, is a force of nature in her kindergarten classroom at Piney Woods Elementary in Chapin, South Carolina. Known for her generous heart and bold personality, she’s described as “fierce.” She infuses passion into everything she does, especially when teaching children to read and write.
Bridges grew up among a family of educators. Her mother, sister, grandparents, and a host of relatives were all teachers, but she was determined to chart her own course. She envisioned herself as a news reporter, not a teacher. Yet, during college, a part-time job at an after-school care facility changed everything. The experience was a calling that she belonged in the classroom, and it set the course for her as a teacher.
There were some challenges ahead. Bridges’ first assignment was teaching eighth-grade science, a world apart from her early childhood education background. It was a demanding assignment, and she correctly perceived that many behavioral issues stemmed from students’ struggles with reading and writing. She became passionate about literacy, determined to help children learn to read before they reached future stumbling blocks.
Bridges’ path took her through several grade levels and schools, but it was the encouragement of a well-respected principal, Harriet Wilson, that led her to kindergarten—an assignment that seemed daunting at first, given her mother’s thirty-six years as a gifted kindergarten teacher. Bridges embraced the challenge and found her perfect fit. She cherishes the opportunity to help young children define and form themselves as readers, writers, and scientists. She believes in sparking confidence early, so children don’t lose faith in themselves.
Her teaching style is energetic and animated, and she openly shares her successes and mistakes with her students. She creates a classroom where every child feels accepted and valued. She especially loves seeing former students return to visit, confirmation of the lasting impact she has. For her, the ultimate reward is hearing students who once doubted themselves proudly say, “Look what I can do!”
Bridges values collaboration with her colleagues and leans on her support network during challenging times. Her team is like a family, united by their shared goal of helping children thrive. Beyond her classroom, she inspires other educators through social media, professional development, and resource sharing. Her down-to-earth nature and authenticity resonate with teachers and students alike.
Bridges feels like God gives her little winks like “You’re doing what I meant for you to do.”
“I am using my gift to serve children. What else could you ask out of life?” she said.Outside of school, Bridges is a busy mom of three, balancing her children’s activities and family life with her career. She’s married to a fellow teacher and coach, and together they cherish every moment with their kids. Even on her most exhausting days, the energy and curiosity of her students rejuvenate her.
Brooke Bridges embodies what it means to be a dedicated, relatable, innovative, and inspiring teacher—making her recognition as Teacher of the Year more than well-deserved. “This award is a tribute to so many people along my path who believed in me and stood by me when I was doubtful. That made me a stronger teacher,” Bridges shared.