The American Leadership Academy wrapped up its first year as a public charter school in Lexington. One of its teachers, Mary Elizabeth Farmer, was named the 2024-25 Nathan Yon Institute Teacher of the Year at last month’s Charter Institute at Erskine’s awards banquet.

Farmer teaches middle school science and lives in Lexington. She has taught for 24 years and prior to teaching at ALA Lexington, she taught at Heritage Christian Academy, Ben Lippen School, S.C. Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics and in Lexington District One and Spartanburg District 5.

“I met Nathan Yon several times and he became an inspiration to me as an educator, so to accept an award with his namesake is an incredible honor,” Farmer said. “I am eager to advocate for charter schools and represent Institute teachers across South Carolina. I love my students and I love what I do, and I can’t wait for this journey.”

The award is named after Yon who was an educator set to open a charter school before passing away in a car accident.

Farmer was selected from teachers around the state who also teach in charter schools. There were four other finalists who were in the final round before Farmer was selected as the teacher of the year.

According to the Charter Institute at Erskine’s press release, “The Institute’s Teacher of the Year selection process is intensive and incorporates both in-person and online components. Institute schools nominate their Teachers of the Year, and then teachers apply to become the Institute Teacher of the Year. The Institute’s panel of judges, including the previous year’s Teacher of the Year, retired educators, and Institute staff, selects the top five finalists.”

Institute Superintendent Cameron Runyan  said that oftentimes, “teachers are so busy celebrating the children that they serve, that they forget to take a step back and look at the lives that they’ve changed. For that reason, it is truly an honor to take this evening to celebrate our incredible teachers and give them an evening that spotlights their accomplishments.

“I know that Ms. Farmer’s dedication and love for her students will make her a wonderful representative of Institute teachers across the state and I look forward to working with her."