Ashley Cooper, an elementary school teacher from Libertas Academy Boiling Springs (LABSA), was recently named the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year by the Charter Institute at Erskine. This was announced on May 15 at the Institute’s seventh annual Awards Banquet. Mrs. Cooper will now compete for the South Carolina State Teacher of the Year competition later this year.
Cooper is an elementary school Special Education Resource Teacher and a resident of Spartanburg. She is a dedicated Special Education professional with over a decade of experience supporting students with disabilities, including Autism and intellectual disabilities, in both self-contained and resource settings. She has served in leadership roles such as Special Education Chairperson and member of the Spartanburg District 2 Leadership Board for Special Services.
"I am deeply humbled to accept this award," said Cooper. "There are so many incredible educators alongside me and to be selected as an Institute Teacher of the Year means the world. I am excited to be a voice for charter school educators across the state of South Carolina."
The Institute’s Teacher of the Year selection process is intensive and incorporates both in-person and online components. Institute schools nominate their Teachers of the Year, and then teachers apply to become the Institute Teacher of the Year. The Institute’s panel of judges, including the previous year’s Teacher of the Year, experienced educators, and Institute staff, selects the top five finalists.
“Since joining Libertas, what has stood out most about Ms. Cooper is her heart,” said Celina Patton, LABS School Director. “She genuinely loves her students and has dedicated her career to advocating for what is best for them. We’re excited to see how she’ll use this new platform to continue driving positive change in education.”
"In all that she does, Ms. Cooper shows a deep passion for transforming the future generations of South Carolina," said Superintendent Runyan. "She inspires others, demonstrates leadership and has an unwavering passion to serve children. Ms. Cooper is a wonderful representative of Mr. Yon’s legacy."
Libertas Academy Boiling Springs is a 4K-7 public charter school in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. LABSA will add 8th grade for the 2025-2026 school year. LABSA is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine and is supported by Tutelage School Solutions.