Spartanburg County - Two District Five educators were surprised in November with the announcement that they have been selected as the 2025–26 Distinguished Literacy Teachers of the Year.
Elizabeth Koon, media specialist at Abner Creek Academy, received the elementary-level honor. Josh Noble, a seventh-grade English language arts teacher at Florence Chapel Middle School, was chosen for the secondary award. District Five Superintendent Randall Gary visited both schools to personally share the news and congratulate the recipients.
Elementary Honoree:
Elizabeth Koon
Koon, a District Five graduate, now supports young learners at Abner Creek Academy, where she leads literacy initiatives as the school’s media specialist. She recently helped launch the school’s first student-run newspaper, the “Gator Gazette.”
She emphasizes early literacy and works to connect reading with meaningful, real-world experiences. “Literacy is not just a skill — it’s a gateway to creativity, exploration and personal growth that extends far beyond the classroom,” Koon said.
Secondary Honoree:
Josh Noble
Noble, a veteran educator and one of Florence Chapel Middle School’s eight house leaders, credits strong relationships and a sense of classroom community as the core of his teaching approach. He aims to know each student individually, believing that personal connection strengthens reading and writing skills.
“I believe literacy should be joyful, relevant and empowering,” Noble said. “Whether we’re analyzing a powerful passage, crafting a piece of writing or sharing a story that sparks laughter, I want students to feel that literacy is alive and connects them to the world and to one another.”
About the Award
The Distinguished Literacy Teacher recognition is presented each year by the Spartanburg County chapter of the Palmetto State Literacy Association. Each district nominates one elementary and one secondary educator who demonstrate excellence in literacy instruction and a dedication to fostering lifelong readers.
Koon and Noble were selected through a districtwide application and review process after being recommended by their respective schools. They will now move on to the countylevel competition, where they will represent District Five among educators from across Spartanburg County.
