Lexington County School District Three is proud to announce Kayla Cotney as the district’s 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Cotney, a Sports Medicine teacher and head athletic trainer at Batesburg-Leesville High School, was announced as this year’s honoree during a special Teacher of the Year banquet held Wednesday evening, September 16th, on the campus of Batesburg-Leesville High School.
Mrs. Cotney earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of South Carolina in 2013, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from the University of South Carolina in 2015, and a Master of Science degree in Athletic Administration from Concordia University in 2017. What Mrs. Cotney loves most about teaching is watching students grow and apply the skills they have learned in meaningful, everyday situations. She enjoys seeing students develop a sense of pride and ownership in their learning while building meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom. She believes in supporting each student as a whole person and creating an environment where they feel valued, encouraged, and challenged to reach their full potential.
For Mrs. Cotney, Lexington School District Three is defined by one word: family. She appreciates the supportive culture that extends throughout the district and believes that same sense of community is reflected in the district’s students. She credits this family atmosphere with making Lexington Three a special place to teach and learn.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Cotney enjoys spending time with her husband, Bryan, their dogs, Loretta and Paco, and their extended family. She also loves cooking, gardening, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Four Outstanding Educators Honored
Mrs. Cotney was selected from a group of four outstanding finalists representing schools across Lexington Three. The other finalists were:
Emily Mowry, Batesburg-Leesville Primary School Teacher of the Year
Mary Clare Price, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Adena McCullough, Batesburg-Leesville Middle School Teacher of the Year
As part of the district’s celebration, all four finalists were recognized for their outstanding contributions to students and their schools.
The three runners-up will each receive a $1,000 bonus from Lexington Three and two additional days off during the 2026–2027 school year.
As the district’s overall Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Cotney will receive a $2,000 bonus from Lexington Three, a $1,000 stipend from the South Carolina General Assembly, and two additional days off during the school year.
All four finalists also received a rocking chair for their home or classroom, Apple technology accessories, and a crystal apple, all provided courtesy of Lexington County School District Three.
Representing Lexington Three at the State Level
As Lexington Three’s 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Cotney will go on to represent the district in the South Carolina Teacher of the Year competition, which begins later this year.