COLUMBIA, SC - On Sunday, April 20, mere days before the April 25 banquet announcing the 2008 Teacher of the Year, ETV will profile each of the contenders, giving South Carolinians the opportunity to meet these outstanding women, and get a first-hand look at the ways they make a difference in the lives of their students.

"In Our Schools: Teacher of the Year 2008," which airs Sunday, April 20 at 6 p.m., gives viewers an inside look at the candidates' classrooms, spotlighting the teaching styles and innovative techniques they employ, and providing insights into the challenges and rewards of being a teacher.

This year's finalists are:

• Jenna Hallman, a science teacher at Calhoun Academy of the Arts in Anderson School District Five
• Josie Stratton, an 11th-12th grade English teacher at Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology in the Darlington School District
• Renee W. Sanders, a 9th-12th grade biology teacher at Johnsonville High School in Florence District Five
• Laura Jean Reed, K-5 music teacher at Stone Academy of Communication Arts in the Greenville School District
• Rona W. Neely, a 7th grade math teacher at Bell Street Middle School in Laurens District 56

The Teacher of the Year will participate in a one-year residency program at the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement in Rock Hill, and serve as a statewide ambassador for the teaching profession. She will also receive a $25,000 cash reward, a Dell laptop computer and a BMW Z-4 roadster to use for a year. Finally, she will represent the 50,000 South Carolina teachers in the National Teacher of the Year Program.
The four remaining finalists, or Honor Roll teachers, will receive $10,000 each.