Outstanding Leaders Under 40 Xavier Roach

Xavier Roach is a native of Columbia, S.C. He received his B.S. from Claflin University in Elementary Education in December of 2014 and his master’s degree from Clemson University in Teaching and Learning with a Specialization in Instructional Coaching in December of 2018.

After graduating from Claflin, Roach began his teaching career in January 2015 in Winnsboro, S.C., at Kelly Miller Elementary School as a fifth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher.

Richland County School District One has been his home since August 2015. Roach has been at John P. Thomas Elementary School for approximately eight years. While at John P. Thomas, he has been named the Teacher of the Year, grade level chair, and serves as a member of the leadership team. He taught third grade for six years and has been a fifthgrade teacher for the past three years.

Roach is passionately committed to providing all students with an equitable and enriching education. His goal is to ensure his students feel valued every day they step into his classroom. His love for his JPT students, the Tiger community, and colleagues keeps him returning every day.