FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2026
Clarendon County School District Teacher Wins PSTA Classroom Grant
Turbeville, SC–Clarendon County School District teacher Chelsie Cannon has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA) Classroom Grant. This is the fifth year of the PSTA Classroom Grants, created as part of the Reinvesting in Our Members Program. The grants are awarded annually to encourage and support PSTA members as they serve students across South Carolina.
Cannon is a first-grade teacher at Walker Gamble Elementary School. The grant will be used to purchase VOX books for her classroom. These independent reading aids feature an audio read-along option that makes comprehension and literacy more accessible to elementary students. The resource can support a wide range of learners, from emerging readers to English language learners.
“VOX books support literacy development, fluency, vocabulary growth, and listening comprehension while encouraging a love of reading in young learners,” Cannon said.
“Ms. Cannon is committed to helping every student become a confident and capable reader,” said Ricky White, principal of Walker Gamble Elementary School. “This grant will provide her students with an engaging resource that supports their individual learning needs and strengthens their literacy skills. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved accomplishment with her.”
According to Cannon, the books will provide students with additional opportunities to practice reading independently while building confidence and developing essential literacy skills.
PSTA Director of Teacher Leadership Craig King surprised Cannon at her school on August 13, 2026, with the exciting news that her grant had been selected as a winner.
The Palmetto State Teachers Association is the largest professional education association for teachers in South Carolina. PSTA provides professional benefits to support its members throughout their careers in education. More information can be found at http://www.palmettoteachers.org.
The printable version can be found HERE.
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Media contacts:
Dr. Keisa Carr
Clarendon County School District
Palmetto State Teachers Association
Toni Chewning Craig King
Director of Association Activities Director of Teacher Leadership
tchewning@palmettoteachers.org craigking@palmettoteachers.org