Pressley exemplifies love for teaching, students as WF AND F1S Teacher of Year

Hugh Pressley has been named Florence School District 1 Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year. He is in his 6th year teaching in public schools and his 3rd year at West Florence High School where he teaches English 4, AP Research, and Teacher Cadets.

“I was really shocked when I won the award because there are so many good teachers at West Florence,” said Pressley.

Pressley earned a Bachelor’s degree in Romance Languages from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He continued his education at Charleston Southern with a bachelor’s degree in English education, at College of Charleston with a Master’s degree in Education, and at Texas Tech University with a PhD in English.

Pressley has an excellent rapport with other staff at West Florence. Assistant Principal, Mr. Rahsaan Perry, has worked with Pressley over the past year and a half.

“Pressley is an excellent teacher because of his true care and passion for our students,” said Perry. "He works tirelessly inside and outside of school preparing lessons and activities that will engage his students, relate to their lives, and challenge their thinking. He inspires them to want to do well, to be engaged, and to truly participate in his class.”

Students at West Florence have a great deal of respect for Pressley.

“Mr. Pressley allows students to grow and learn independently while also guiding them,” said Junior Ethan Russitano. “His class is a laid back environment that also promotes learning and student discussion.

Others agree.

“I like that he’s a very understanding guy, he’s always there to talk, and he also listens,” said Junior Kinsey Carroway.

Pressley definitely has the qualities to take on a more administrative role at West Florence.

“Mr. Pressley is already a leader to many in the building. He has submitted several proposals to enhance items at West Florence and continues to find ways to make education work for students and teachers,” Perry said. "I think he would be great as an administrator, although, everytime I tell him that he says ‘no thanks, I’m good where I’m at.’ However, I think Pressley would excel in whatever role given to him.”

For now, Pressley is where he wants to be.

“I love working with young people and I really like teaching,” said Pressley. “Loving what you do, loving being around students, and someone that is patient is what makes a good teacher.”

This attitude is what makes Pressley perfect for the instructor of the the WFHS Teacher Cadets.