Doretha Daniels, Bethel- Hanberry Elementary The celebration of Richland Two's 25 teachers of the year is just beginning. An informal reception to honor them will be held on September 23 at 5 pm at Blythewood Middle School. This event is coordinated by the Richland Two Teacher Forum which is comprised of former teachers of the year.

Representing the entire district as the 2008- 09 District Teacher of the Year is Longleaf Middle School eighth grade mathematics teacher Courtney Randle who will compete for the State Teacher of the Year crown this spring.

Randle credits her street savvy of growing up in the inner city of New York to help guide her through life's many obstacles and challenges.

For Randall, education has always been constant and continues to be her saving grace.

"I quickly found the easiest way to escape my difficult conditions was to immerse myself in education," said Randle. "The escape and safe haven of school kept me from many of life's harsh realities."

Twelve of Randall's 13 years of teaching have been in Richland Two.

William Turner, Blythewood High She and her husband Matthew's five children, Courtney, Kamara, Keisha, Crystal and Joshua are students in the district.

Alison Whisenant, Blythewood Middle Rashad Adams, Bookman Road Elementary Rebecca Carrion Conder Elementary Amelie Cromer, Dent Middle Mannietea Freeman, E.L. Wright Middle Marian Scullion, Forest Lake Elementary Elizabeth Waters, Keels Elementary Pamela Bruney, Kelly Mill Middle Kionna Keels, Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary Jan Faile, Lake Carolina Elementary Courtney Randle, Longleaf Middle Patrina Smith, North Springs Elementary Jeff King, Pontiac Elementary Maria Hood, Polo Road Elementary Tia Meekins, Rice Creek Elementary Joseph Eberlin, Richland Northeast High Bradley Steedly, Round Top Elementary Jimmy Crosby, Ridge View High Nicole Mobley, Sandlapper Elementary Cedric Jones, Summit Parkway Middle Kathleen O'Brien, Spring Valley High Camille Stack, Windsor Elementary Courtney Randle, District Teacher of the Year