Deion Jamison is the 2023 South Carolina Teacher of the Year and is a ninth- and 10^th-grade English language arts teacher at Legacy Early College in Greenville, South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology from Clemson University and a Master of Science in education from Johns Hopkins University.

Jamison became interested in teaching as a child, but his career choice was solidified after he recognized the disparities in education in South Carolina between districts. As a Gates Millennium Scholar and product of Orangeburg County Schools, he ascribes to the proverb, “To whom much is given, much is required,” further influencing his decision to teach. Jamison believes that education is liberation and teaches his students skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving to address the world’s most pressing issues.

Jamison’s work has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally. He is a recipient of the 2020 Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Award from the National Council of Teachers of English and is also the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teacher Leadership Award from Teach for America. Aside from accolades, Jamison is most proud of creating brave, inclusive spaces for culturally and linguistically diverse students to thrive.