The Manning Times is proud to continue this special series celebrating the outstanding educators who have been named the Clarendon County Teachers of the Year for 2024. We aim to recognize and thank these remarkable teachers for their unwavering commitment to their students, their passion for teaching, and the positive impact they have on our schools and community. Stay tuned each week as we share their stories of dedication and excellence.
Lesley Watson, a kindergarten teacher at Manning Early Childhood Center, has been named one of Clarendon County School District’s Teachers of the Year, a recognition that reflects her passion for education, deep-rooted faith, and innovative teaching style.
For Watson, teaching is more than just a profession, it’s a calling that began as a young girl. “I’ve always wanted to do this,” Watson said. “My mother was a Head Start teacher, and she instilled in me a love for learning and the belief that all children can succeed if they’re given the right opportunities.”
Born and raised in Alcolu, Watson’s journey to becoming one of the district’s top educators was shaped by her early exposure to education and a commitment to helping others. “I always knew that all children can learn; they just need someone to guide them,” she said. “Everybody needs somebody, and if I can be that person who helps shape young minds, why not me?”
Watson’s educational journey began with her own schooling in Manning. A 2005 graduate of Manning High School, she continued her studies at Grand Canyon University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, followed by two master’s degrees, one in curriculum and instruction, and the other in educational leadership. However, her real-world experience, particularly in early childhood care, would prove invaluable as she transitioned into teaching full-time.
Prior to becoming a certified teacher, Watson spent over a decade working in early Head Start programs and daycare centers, experiences she credits with preparing her to manage the wide range of temperaments, learning styles, and behaviors that young children bring to the classroom.
“My Head Start and daycare experience gave me a strong foundation,” Watson said. “I dealt with so many different types of children and behaviors, and that taught me how to manage a classroom and guide children effectively. By the time I became a kindergarten teacher, I felt well-prepared.”
Now in her sixth year at Manning Early Childhood Center, Watson’s approach to teaching is as dynamic as it is disciplined. Her classroom is a hands-on, energetic environment where students are encouraged to learn through fun and interaction. “I’m a very hands-on teacher,” Watson said. “You may see me sitting on the carpet with the kids or dancing around the room. I believe in being firm, fair, and fun.”
Watson’s teaching philosophy extends beyond traditional methods, embracing an interactive approach where students are active participants in their learning. “I believe if I’m bored, they’re bored,” she said with a laugh. “So, I keep things engaging, whether that’s through dancing, silly games, or hands-on activities. When you make learning fun, kids retain more, and that’s always my goal.”
The kindergartners in Watson’s class aren’t just learning their ABCs and numbers—they’re learning how to be part of a community, how to express themselves, and how to think critically. Watson’s firm yet fair classroom management style ensures that her students understand the importance of following rules, but she also encourages creativity and collaboration.
“I live by the belief that classroom management is key,” she explained. “I’m very structured when it comes to transitions because that helps with overall classroom control. People joke that my kids walk like soldiers, but structure helps keep the environment calm and allows for more learning to take place.”
While Watson’s classroom is often buzzing with activity, her personal life is no less busy. As she raised her 18-year-old daughter, Janaya Canty, who recently started her freshman year at the University of South Carolina Upstate, Watson took the challenges of balancing work, family, and education head on but not without some help from her “village.”
“When I was working full-time and going to school at night, my family was my rock,” she said. “My mom and my fiancé’s mom would pick my daughter up from daycare, take care of her, and make sure everything was ready by the time I got home from night classes. I was working Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and then going to school from 5 to 8 p.m. every night. It wasn’t easy, but I had a village behind me.”
Watson’s fiancé, Jamar Canty, along with her large extended family, including four sisters and two brothers, played a crucial role in supporting her as she pursued her education and teaching career. “I have a big family, and they’ve always been there for me,” she said. “But my biggest motivation was my daughter. I wanted to show her that if I could do it, she could do it.”
Faith, too, has been a cornerstone of Watson’s life and career. A member of Trinity Full Gospel Church in Manning, she credits her strong faith for helping her navigate the challenges of teaching and life. “You have to have a strong faith base,” she said. “There are so many times when your back is against the wall, and you just don’t know what to do. But when you talk to God, He gives you the answers. He leads you through it. I don’t know how anyone could do this job without faith.”
As one of Clarendon County School District’s Teachers of the Year, Watson now has a platform to advocate for her fellow educators, a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly. “I was so honored to receive this award,” she said. “It means so much to know that others value what I do, and I’m excited to have a voice to speak up for teachers. We know what each other is going through, and we need that support.”
Looking ahead, Watson hopes to continue growing in her career, possibly moving into curriculum development or becoming an instructional coach. But for now, she remains focused on the students in her classroom and the joy she finds in watching them thrive.
“My favorite part of teaching is seeing that light bulb go off when a child understands something for the first time,” she said. “Seeing them grow, from the time they walk into my classroom to when they leave, is what I live for.”
Watson’s journey as an educator is far from over, but with her faith, family, and dedication, she’s ready for whatever comes next.
