An Antiguan and Barbudan national with more than three decades of dedication to special education has been named one of five finalists for the 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year award — one of the most prestigious teaching honours in the United States.

Alex Wharton, a special education resource teacher at Berkeley High School in the Berkeley County School District, was surprised by state and district officials at her school on March 17, 2026, when she was informed of the recognition. Her husband and son were on hand to share the moment.

Wharton, who is originally from Antigua and Barbuda and is an ordained Minister of Religion, has spent over 30 years in public education, building a career centred on creating inclusive, strengths-based learning environments for students with disabilities. She works with students from ninth through twelfth grade, implementing individualised education plans and collaborating with families, case managers and colleagues to deliver interventions that support both academic achievement and personal growth.

Named one of the so-called “Fab Five” finalists for the award, Wharton brings an impressive academic foundation to her work. She holds a degree in Special Education from the University of the West Indies, a degree in Exceptional Student Education from Florida Memorial University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.

As a finalist, Wharton will receive $10,000 and advance to the next stage of the state Teacher of the Year Competition which involves an interview with a panel of expert judges. The overall winner receives 25,000 US dollars, a brand-new BMW for the year and serves as a statewide ambassador for more than 65,000 educators across South Carolina.

The winner of the 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year will be announced in April.