She can often be seen jumping up and down, dancing and having fun with the kids, even on Zoom. Despite the changes in school over the past year, DeWeese continues to work one-on-one with students and have them work together in small groups. “It’s challenging, yes,” DeWeese said. “Sometimes it’s really challenging, but I didn’t become a teacher because there wouldn’t be challenges. I became a teacher for these kids. They’re my ‘why.’ I do it for the kids.” As teacher of the year, DeWeese assumes the role of vicechair of the Beaufort County School District Teacher Forum. She has already gotten to know teachers across the district and is looking forward to working closely with district leaders in her new role. BCSD deputy superintendent and chief of schools Duke Bradley III said DeWeese’s work at Okatie has benefited her students, her school and the district as a whole. “I come to this with a heart of gratitude, a depth of appreciation for not just teachers but for exemplary teachers like Dr. DeWeese,” Bradley said. Now DeWeese is up for state teacher of the year. She has mixed emotions about the opportunity since it would mean leaving the classroom for an entire school year to serve as a traveling ambassador for the state. Leaving her students would be a challenge, but if anyone is up for a challenge, it’s DeWeese. “Children hold a very special place in my heart,” DeWeese said. “Teaching is just me. It’s my passion. It’s my life.”
DeWeese and her students during the 2019-2020 school year.
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