South Carolina's Teacher of the Year Will Drive A New BMX X5.
Corey Bedenbaugh Named 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.
Spartanburg, S.C.- State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver announced on Thursday afternoon that Corey Bedenbaugh, a social studies teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School, has been named 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. Bedenbaugh received this honor during the South Carolina Department of Education’s annual "Gala in the Garden," held at the Governor's Mansion in Columbia.
As part of the celebration, BMW Manufacturing, the program's premier sponsor for 28 years, handed Bedenbaugh the keys to a 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i.
"Teaching is truly more than just a profession; it is a calling," Bedenbaugh said. "It's about lighting those sparks that turn into flames of curiosity. It's bout seeing potential where others might see challenges. It's about building relationships that open to learning. It's not about just teaching lessons and content but teaching lessons in resilience and courage and, most importantly, to remember we are shaping young futures."
"Teachers play a vital role in shaping the next generation and preparing them for success. At BMW, we recognize the immense dedication and commitment that teachers demonstrate every day in their classrooms," said Max Metcalf, manager of Government and Community Relations at BMW Manufacturing. "They are true role models, inspiring students to reach their full potential. On behalf of BMW, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all teachers for their tireless efforts and unwavering passion for education. Your work is invaluable, and we are honored to celebrate this year's Teacher of the Year award recipient."
The Dravit Gray Metallic BMW X5 presented to Corey Bedenbaugh has Black Sensafin Upholstery with 20-inch M Star-Spoke Bicolor wheels and run-flat tires. It is equipped with the M Sport professional package that includes an M Sport exhaust system, M Sport brakes with red calipers, M Shadowline lights and extended Shadowline trim. Bedenbaugh will drive the X5 during his year-long sabbatical from the classroom as South Carolina's public education ambassador.
Bedenbaugh told those gathered that being named Teacher f the Year is a "win" for all the teachers in his life: "Those who I had in al my time in Saluda County schools, my professors at Newberry College, my fellow colleagues at Lexington County School district 3 that continually inspire me to grow, my students who push me to be willing to take risks, and the biggest teachers in my life, my family. This is a win for them as much as it is for myself."
Along with the use of a BMW X5 for one year, Bedenbaugh receives a $25,000 cash award, a set of Michelin tires, a Bojangles $2,000 award, an exclusive Jostens Teacher of the Year ring, and complimentary admission to participate in Leadership South Carolina. He will officially serve as the state spokesperson for over 64,000 educators.
Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested more than $14.8 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing is the largest BMW Group plant in the world, assembling more than 1,500 vehicles a day. The plant is an important part of BMW's global production network and plays a critical role in meeting the high demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coups in the U.S. and around the world. Nearly 57 percent of its vehicles are shipped to 120 global markets, making BMW the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States for more than a decade. In 2024, nearly 50 percent of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. came from Plant Spartanburg. The model portfolio includes six top-selling BMW X models, four Motorsport X models, and two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle X models. The factory has an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles and employs more than 11,000 people.