Laurens Middle School Educator Audrey Bell Receives Distinguished Honor as Regional Teacher to Watch

Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) is proud to announce that Audrey Bell, an 8th-grade math teacher at Laurens Middle School, has been selected as a Regional Teacher to Watch by the South Carolina Association of Middle Level Education (SCAMLE). SCAMLE established the Regional Teacher to Watch Award to recognize outstanding educators across the state who demonstrate excellence in middle-level teaching. One educator from each region is selected based on their commitment to implementing effective middle school practices, contributing to the profession, and positively impacting the lives of students.

To be eligible for this recognition, candidates must have more than eight years of middle-level teaching experience and demonstrate the consistent use of effective instructional strategies that support the academic and developmental needs of every student.

Ms. Bell, a 13-year veteran educator in Laurens County School District 55, began her career as a science teacher at Hickory Tavern School, where she served for ten years. She joined Laurens Middle School (LMS) three years ago and has since made a strong impact on the school community. During her time at LMS, she has served as a science teacher, Montessori Math teacher, and Teaching Specialist for Math, helping students build confidence and mastery in mathematics.

Ms. Bell holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Winthrop University (2010), a Master of Education in Classroom Leadership from Southern Wesleyan University (2016), and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education (2024). She credits much of her passion for teaching to the mentorship she received from educators, including Mrs. Toepfer, Dr. Mangum, and Dr. Mitchell.

Ms. Bell’s students give their testimonies on how well-deserving Ms. Bell is of her award. Students say Ms. Bell’s classroom is a place where learning is engaging, supportive, and encouraging.

Lucy Young, a 7th-grade student, shared, “Ms. Bell is a great teacher because she keeps students engaged and motivated to learn. She is genuinely kind, and I believe she truly wants to help me learn. She encourages us to ask questions, and she always answers us and explains well. I love that she is full of knowledge and confidence in teaching us.”

Aubree Roberts, also a student in Ms. Bell’s first-period class, added, “I think she is a great teacher. The way she teaches math is very clear, and she is very helpful. She spends time with each student in her class and supports both advanced 7th-graders and regular 8th-graders. Allowing students to work together and collaborate on problems is one of the things I appreciate most about her class.”

Ms. Bell is greatly honored and humbled by the recognition.“Being named a Regional Teacher to Watch means that I strive to exemplify the best of middle school education by providing individual support to all students and creating a safe space for them to grow, learn, and feel valued. I feel honored to be chosen from among so many amazing teachers nominated in the Upper Midlands,” said Bell.

Laurens County School District 55 congratulates Ms. Bell on this remarkable achievement and thanks her for being a key player in Building a 5-Star Culture of Excellence in the district and ensuring that we provide students with A+ Academics.

Wendy Burgess, LCSD 55 Director of Teaching & Learning, said, “This recognition as a South Carolina Math Teacher to Watch speaks to the powerful work happening in Ms. Bell’s classroom each day. It reflects a teacher who makes mathematics meaningful, challenges students to think deeply, and creates opportunities for every learner to grow.”