GCSD celebrates two South Carolina Teaching Fellows
May 8, 2026
Georgetown County School District is proud to announce that two graduating seniors have been selected as 2026 South Carolina Teaching Fellows. Andrews High School senior Kaleb Altman and Georgetown High School senior Branton Ciuffetelli were chosen for the highly competitive program, which recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, service, and a commitment to becoming educators in South Carolina.
Kaleb Altman is a senior at Andrews High School.
Kaleb Altman, a senior at Andrews High School, will attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia to pursue a career in education.
“Teachers truly run the world and it is an honor and privilege to be named a future teacher,” said Altman. “I hope to inspire young students just as my educators did for me.”
Branton Ciuffetelli, a senior at Georgetown High School, will attend Charleston Southern University. A passionate advocate for music education, Ciuffetelli reflected on a quote he used in Teacher Cadet and included in his educational philosophy:
“Teach music and singing at school in such a way that it is not a torture but a joy for the pupil; instill a thirst for finer music in him, a thirst which will last for a lifetime.” — Zoltan Kodaly
Ciuffetelli shared his appreciation for the honor, saying, “I am incredibly honored to be named a Teaching Fellow. This opportunity allows me to bridge the gap between being a student and becoming an educator who can truly make a difference.”
Branton Ciuffetelli is a senior at Georgetown High School.
The South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, administered by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA), was established by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1999. The program’s mission is to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession and help them develop leadership qualities while in college.
Each year, up to 230 students across the state are selected to receive Teaching Fellowships based on academic achievement, leadership, service, and a demonstrated desire to teach in South Carolina. Fellows participate in advanced enrichment programs, professional development opportunities, and community engagement experiences while attending one of the state’s Teaching Fellows partner institutions.
Teaching Fellows may receive up to $24,000 in fellowship funding over four years while completing a degree leading to teacher certification. In return, recipients agree to teach in a South Carolina public school for one year for every year they receive fellowship funding.
GCSD congratulates Kaleb and Branton on this incredible accomplishment and looks forward to the positive impact they will make as future educators in South Carolina.
