2025-26 March Teacher of the Month
Meet our next winner, Alana Drummond, from Myrtle Beach Elementary School as the March Teacher of the Month! Finding out she won turned her day around.
Teacher of the Month
How long have you been a teacher? 8 years.
How long have you been at your current school and what grade do you teach? It has been at Myrtle Beach Elementary for all eight years of my career and I have only taught fifth grade.
What led you into teaching and what continues to motivate you? I never imagined I would become a teacher. Growing up, school was something I struggled with, and I often found myself counting down the days until I could finally graduate high school. Teaching wasn’t part of some long-term plan—it really just fell into my lap as I realized how much I enjoyed working with children at different events. Looking back, I can see how much of an impact one teacher had on me. Miss Oliverio took the time to work with me one-on-one in math, and she truly made a world of difference in my confidence and ability. Now, my goal is not only to teach my students academic content, but also to help them grow into good people and become successful members of their community .
What was your reaction to winning the award? I was extremely shocked to win Teacher of the Month—it was the last thing I expected. I was actually having a really terrible day and was sitting in my room feeling upset and overwhelmed. When I found out I had won, it completely caught me off guard, but in the best way. In that moment, I realized how much people truly care and notice the effort I put in each day. It turned my entire day around and reminded me why I do what I do
What was the reaction of your class? One of the best parts of winning the award was seeing my students’ reaction. As soon as they heard the news, they all jumped up, cheering and clapping for me with the biggest smiles on their faces. Their excitement was so genuine, and it meant more to me than the award itself. In that moment, I felt so appreciated and reminded of the special bond we share in our classroom.
Outside of the classroom, what are some of your interests? In my free time, I enjoy hobbies that help me relax and recharge. I love getting lost in a good book, whether it’s something inspiring or just a fun escape. I also enjoy gardening and taking care of plants, which gives me a sense of calm and accomplishment. Spending time outside is something I value as well—it helps me clear my mind and appreciate the simple things.
Anything else you’d like to add? Teaching is incredibly hard, and there are many days when it feels like the work teachers do goes unseen. The long hours, emotional investment, and constant effort don’t always get recognized. That’s why small moments—like being named Teacher of the Month—mean so much. They serve as a reminder that there are people who truly care, who see the work we put in every day, and who understand just how much heart goes into being a teacher.