FLORENCE, SC / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2026 / Pauline Dixon, a first-grade teacher at Wallace-Gregg Elementary, has been named Florence 1 Schools Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Richard O'Malley announced the honor at the 26th Annual School Foundation Gala. Dixon is a 19-year teaching veteran. She believes that a strong literacy foundation opens every other door to learning.

^{Photo Credit: Florence 1 Schools}

Dixon earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Education in Instructional Accommodation from Francis Marion University. Prior to serving at Wallace-Gregg, she served as a teacher and literacy coach at Theodore Lester and as a teacher at Timrod Elementary.

Myah Woods, principal of Wallace-Gregg Elementary, said, "Ms. Dixon is truly the Energizer Bunny of Wallace-Gregg Elementary and a breath of fresh air in her classroom. She brings an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm to teaching each day, while maintaining high expectations for every student. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her students are not only learning, but growing and thriving."

"I believe the best opportunity to address the challenge of literacy begins in the primary grades," Dixon said. "Students become stronger readers by reading every day, engaging in books that appropriately challenge them, and engaging in conversations about what they read. A strong literacy foundation is built through intentional instruction, consistent practice, and teachers who believe every child can become a successful reader."

Dixon also emphasizes learning beyond the classroom through experiences such as attending live theater, meeting authors, and visiting local nursing homes. "Experiences like these encourage students to see themselves not only as learners, but also as contributors to the communities in which they live. These experiences have shown my students that learning is not confined to a classroom."

Woods said that Ms. Dixon is also incredibly creative and is not afraid to do whatever it takes to make learning memorable. "She may rap or sing a song to help her students master a challenging concept. She makes learning engaging, joyful, and meaningful. We are truly grateful to have Ms. Dixon as part of the Wallace-Gregg Elementary family. She represents the very best of what it means to be an educator, and we are so proud to celebrate her as our Teacher of the Year."

Dixon was selected as Wallace-Gregg's Teacher of the Year last spring. Each school's honoree completed a district application packet, which an outside panel of educators reviewed to select four Honor Roll Teachers. Dixon and fellow finalists Robbie Burns of Advantage Academy, Jamie Clark of Briggs Elementary and Judon Streater of Alfred Rush Academy then interviewed with the panel.

As Florence 1 Schools Teacher of the Year, Dixon is eligible to compete for the 2027 South Carolina Teacher of the Year award through the South Carolina Department of Education's application process.

Media Contact: Melissa Rollins
Phone: (843) 758-6037
Email: marketing@f1s.org

SOURCE: Florence 1 Schools