CAYCE, S.C. — There's a brand-new classroom inside Brookland-Cayce High School, and it's run by Haley Williamson, our News19 Teacher of the Week.
"We have just become a Unified Champion School through Special Olympics, and we are trying to grow our program now. We are the Bearcat Buddies," Williamson said.
With only three years of teaching, Ms. Williamson is turning her Bearcat Buddies into Bearcat Athletes.
"We had so many general education students that were helping us. Some students had two buddies. It was great to see their love and support coming in," Williamson said. "And for these kids to be able to fit in ... They are at lunch, people come by and high five and wave at them and tell them hey, and it just it warms my heart."
Williamson's love for teaching special education was noticed as soon as she walked into her classroom.
"She's one of the best advocates that I can think of for kids. She truly loves them and truly wants them to do well. Not only here at school, but in the future. She always has a plan for her students about what they're going to do next year and in the future," said educator Dr. Tammy Martin.
She found her passion in Wagner, South Carolina. She started working in the Special Olympics Program called "Making Others Believe."
"We were paired with a partner that had a disability. And we would go on trips. And till this day, I still talk to several of my buddies," Williamson said. "This is where I found my purpose. I found happiness, and unconditional love. And it was just amazing. I couldn't see myself anywhere else."
After graduating USC and getting her Masters in Special Education, it was time to put those skills to the test.
"It's just been very refreshing for me, from an educator with more years of experience, to see someone come in with a type of reaction she has every day with her kids and the type of drive," Martin said. "She's proud of her kids and they're proud of her. They love her."
"These kids need me. They look up to me. And I truly do love them. I want to make sure they have the best opportunities that they possibly can because they deserve it," Williamson said. "I'm very excited to have them venture out, learn more and be able to experience the things that I did in high school with my friends because that was that was the highlight of my high school years, and I want them to have those amazing memories."
You can help support the Bearcat Buddies as they continue to build up the program. More information can be found here.
If you know a teacher like Ms. Williamson who deserves to be recognized for their hard work in the classroom you can nominate them by emailing us at TOW@wltx.com. Tell us what that educator is doing every day to go above and beyond in the classroom.