Deion Jamison
Instructional Coach
Lake Marion High School
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) is proud to announce the return of one of its own, Mr. Deion Jamison, as he takes up the position of Instructional Coach at Lake Marion High School (LMHS) for the upcoming academic year. Jamison, a former student of Lake Marion and a product of our county's school district, has set a national standard for excellence in education by earning the distinguished honor of South Carolina's 2023 Teacher of the Year.
Jamison’s remarkable achievement not only demonstrates his dedication to the field of education but is also historically significant, as he is the first Black man to earn this title since the award's inception in 1956. His journey from a curious student in our district to a recognized figure in the educational landscape illuminates the potential that lies within our classrooms and community.
His early career saw him making impactful contributions at William J. Clark Middle School. The experiences and insights gained in these initial years shaped him into an academic innovator and a catalyst for change. Jamison’s passion for teaching was rooted in his childhood and later solidified when he recognized the glaring disparities in education between districts in South Carolina.
Driven by a commitment to address these disparities and guided by the saying "to whom much is given, much is required," he continued his educational journey. He earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Clemson University and pursued a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University, bolstered by the Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship.
"Having Mr. Jamison return to Lake Marion not only brings us exceptional expertise but also an inspiring success story that our students can relate to and learn from,” said Mr. Sean Glover, Principal of Lake Marion High School. “Our students will now have the unique opportunity to interact daily with a teacher who has walked their halls, faced their challenges, and surpassed all expectations,” added Glover.
While Jamison’s accolades, including the Early Career Educator of Color Leadership award from the National Council of Teachers of English and the Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teacher Leadership award from Teach for America, speak volumes about his dedication and skill, they only paint a portion of the picture. The true essence of his success lies in his determination to uplift his community by arming the next generation with the power of education.
"Mr. Jamison is a living testament to the transformative power of education. His return to Lake Marion serves as a profound example of what is possible for our students, especially our young African American men,” stated Dr. Shawn D. Foster, OCSD Superintendent. ”The reality is, African American male teachers are underrepresented, but Deion's visibility and success challenge that narrative and serve as an inspiration for what can be achieved."
As we gear up for the start of a new school year, the Orangeburg County School District welcomes Deion Jamison back home, where his legacy first began. Deion's story stands as a beacon for our students, illustrating that with tenacity, dedication, and an excellent education, there are truly no limits to what they can achieve.
"After an exhilarating year of touring the state and country, returning home feels like completing a meaningful journey. Throughout my keynote engagements, I constantly emphasized the significance of our community and the incredible individuals who call it home,” stated Deion Jamison, LMHS Instructional Coach. “Now, I am thrilled to make a positive impact on students from my very own community, joining forces with the LMHS team in pursuit of our district's mission,” continued Jamison.
We're excited to see Deion's influence on our students and the lasting impact he will undoubtedly have on our community and the broader educational landscape in South Carolina.
