Oakland Primary is proud to announce Mrs. Lauren Ray as its 2024-25 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Ray has been teaching for 4 years. She graduated from The University of South Carolina – Beaufort with her BA in Early Childhood education and went on to earn Masters Degrees in Reading with Grand Canyon University and a Masters Degree in Curriculum in Curriculum and Instruction with Western Governor University. She is a native of Sumter and spends her free time reading, working out and hunting. She is married to Mr. Taylor Ray of Sumter and has two dog Millie and Tiller. Her guiding philosophy in teaching is: Every child can learn, as educators we get the opportunity to help students find and utilize their strengths so learning is a meaningful and positive experience for them.