Keighley George, a 2013 graduate of Presbyterian College, was honored with the Milken Educator Award, a national recognition widely regarded as the “Oscar of Teaching.”

Presented by the Milken Family Foundation, the award recognizes educators for their exceptional contributions to student learning and leadership. George, an interventionist at Forest Lake Elementary School in Columbia, received the surprise honor at a school assembly on Feb. 20 and was awarded an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize.

“I was completely shocked,” George said. “It was a surreal moment, and I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. It’s an incredible honor, and I just feel grateful to be surrounded by amazing colleagues and students.”

A career built on passion and dedication

Coming from a family of educators, George always felt drawn to teaching. Her mother and grandmother were both teachers, and their dedication to students inspired her to pursue a career in education.

“Teaching was always part of my life,” she said. “I grew up watching my mom and grandmother make a difference in students’ lives, and I knew from an early age that I wanted to do the same.”

George finds fulfillment in building relationships with struggling students, helping them regain confidence and realize their potential. Unlike classroom teachers, she works with students who often feel defeated, making it particularly rewarding to guide them toward academic success.

“A lot of my students come to me feeling like they’ve already failed,” George said. “My job is to change that mindset, to show them they can grow and succeed. It’s incredible to watch their confidence build when they realize they are capable of more than they thought.”

George began her teaching career at Joanna-Woodson Elementary School in Laurens County School District 56, where she worked with struggling readers and helped implement structured literacy practices to improve student outcomes. Her time in Laurens County, she said, shaped her approach to teaching and allowed her to grow under the mentorship of veteran educators.

“I was lucky to work with a state literacy coach early on, which helped me refine my instructional methods,” she said. “I saw firsthand how critical it is to meet students where they are and push them toward success.”

After several years in Laurens County, George moved to Forest Lake Elementary School, where she took on the role of a tier-two and tier-three interventionist. In this position, she works closely with small groups of students who struggle with reading, helping them build confidence and develop critical literacy skills. She also serves on the school’s leadership team and collaborates with parents to extend learning beyond the classroom.

Presbyterian College’s lasting influence

George credits much of her professional success to PC, where she earned her degree in education. She describes her alma mater as a place that instilled in her the high expectations and strong work ethic that have guided her career.

“PC really pushed me to be the best educator I could be,” she said. “The professors were phenomenal, and they placed us in student teaching positions that prepared us for the real world. I was challenged in all the right ways, and I carry those lessons with me every day.”

In addition to shaping her as a teacher, PC also played a pivotal role in her personal life. It was at PC that she met her husband, Jamie George ‘15, an attorney at Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, LLC in Columbia. Jamie George, who also serves as an adjunct professor at PC, shares his wife’s passion for education and has been one of her biggest supporters throughout her career.

“We both have a deep love for learning,” George said. “Jamie has always encouraged me to push myself and embrace opportunities like this award. PC brought us together, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

George also draws inspiration from Presbyterian College’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve,” a principle she applies daily in her role as an educator.

“That motto has stuck with me since my time at PC,” she said. “Every day, I serve my students, my colleagues, and my community. Teaching is more than just a profession—it’s a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.”

The road ahead

Despite the national recognition, George remains focused on the students she serves and the impact she can make in the classroom. While she’s unsure of what comes next, she is open to new opportunities, including teaching at the collegiate level.

“This is my dream position, but I’d love to give back to the next generation of educators,” she said. “I’ve had incredible mentors, and I’d love to be that person for someone else.”

George emphasized the importance of flexibility and knowledge, highlighting that educators make the strongest impact when they assess their students’ needs in real time and adjust their teaching methods accordingly. She believes teachers must be adaptable, “stronger than the curriculum,” and focused on students.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about a particular textbook or lesson plan,” she said. “It’s about knowing your students, understanding their needs, and adjusting your teaching to make sure they thrive.”