Horry Co. Schools Name Their ‘2025 Rookie Teacher Of The Year’

Liz Whaley graduated from Coastal Carolina, and got her first job as a 4th grade teacher at Socastee Elementary.

Horry County Schools has named their ‘2025 Rookie Teacher of the Year.’

This is Liz Whaley’s third year of teaching.

She grew up in the Horry County School system and knew from a young age she wanted to be a teacher.

During her time in school, Whaley participated in the Teacher Cadet program through Coastal Carolina, which is a course designed to train future educators. She graduated from Coastal Carolina, and got her first job as a 4th grade teacher at Socastee Elementary.

Whaley was one of six finalists.

The Rookie Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers within the first three years of their careers.