Anthony Galavotti, a science teacher and football coach at Lucy Garrett Beckham High School, was named a Top Five Finalist for District Teacher of the Year, according to an April 28 announcement. Galavotti began his teaching career in 2019 at Septima P. Clark Academy through TeachCharleston and described his experience as both challenging and rewarding.
Galavotti said that coaching quickly became a passion but that stepping into the classroom felt equally natural. He explained, “The most influential experience leading me into teaching was my first season coaching football at West Ashley High School. After volunteering with the program, I was immediately drawn to the relationships formed with students and the responsibility that came with mentoring them. Coaching reinforced the importance of consistency, trust, and putting students first. Within the first week, I realized teaching would allow me to make a lasting impact.” He believes meaningful learning begins with relationships between teachers and students.
He said he strives to create an inclusive classroom where all students feel safe being themselves while being challenged to become responsible individuals. “As a coach, I emphasize accountability, discipline, communication, and respect. These are skills I believe extend far beyond the football field,” Galavotti said.
Galavotti also noted that some of his most meaningful moments come from student feedback about feeling comfortable and supported in his classroom. “Getting to know what students care about and what they value allows me to teach them more effectively and advocate for them beyond the classroom,” he explained.
Being selected as a finalist has reaffirmed his approach: “There has been a definitive shift in the district to kids over content,” Galavotti said. “There is much more focus on taking care of the kids… The recognition has reaffirmed that what I am doing works and is being noticed.” If chosen as District Teacher of the Year, he said he would urge educators to remove barriers rather than lower expectations: “High standards matter, but they must be paired with intentional support… Being visible outside our classrooms also brings additional fulfillment.”
