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A Family of Excellence: Sisters and EPI Center Alumni Named Teachers of the Year

January 9, 2026
Education is clearly a family affair for Amanda Charley and LaToya Johnson. The two sisters, both educators in the Orangeburg County School District, were recently honored as “Teacher of the Year” at their respective schools.

Amanda Charley: Marshall Elementary School
Charley, a Gifted and Talented educator, anchors her classroom in student-centered, culturally responsive instruction. As a 2024-2025 Fellow in the EPI Center’s IMPACT (Improvement Science Propels Achievement and Critical Teaching) program, Charley has used data-driven reflective practices to empower her students to lead confidently

LaToya Johnson: William J. Clark Middle School
Johnson serves as a middle school mathematics educator and Magnet Program Team Lead. Currently pursuing her EdD in Educational Leadership, Johnson is a proponent of flexible, competency-based learning. She previously utilized the EPI Center’s on-demand microcredentials to master research-informed best practices, further fueling her passion for educational equity and technology integration.

Both sisters are now in the running for the Orangeburg County District Teacher of the Year. Their success highlights the powerful intersection of personal dedication and the professional growth resources provided by the EPI Center and their school districts.

EPI Center virtual coaching session with teacher and students at Irmo Middle School.