Title: Science Educator
Company: Brookland-Cayce High School, Lexington County School District Two
Location: Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Joyce Ann Abel, Science Educator at Brookland-Cayce High School, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Science Education.
Ms. Abel, a science educator at Brookland-Cayce High School, part of the Lexington County School District II, has been serving in his position since 2023. In this capacity, she teaches earth and forensic science to freshmen, drawing on more than five decades of experience in education. Her expertise in advocating for herself and others has distinguished her throughout her career, earning her recognition for her ability to connect with students who are often described as needy or facing significant challenges. Ms. Abel is particularly proud of her reputation for teaching the whole child, addressing not only academic needs but also the emotional and personal difficulties that students may encounter outside the classroom.
Leveraging her many years of experience in the school setting, Ms. Abel previously enjoyed a distinguished tenure at Battery Creek High School. Throughout her 55-year career, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for nurturing students’ academic growth and personal development.
Ms. Abel’s academic journey began at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education with a minor in biology. Initially aspiring to become a nurse, her career trajectory shifted during her freshman year after witnessing the Orangeburg massacre and learning about the Kent State University shooting. These events profoundly influenced her perspective on youth advocacy and inspired her to pursue teaching to help ensure young people are seen and heard. Ms. Abel’s student teaching assignment at Rivers Middle School in Charleston, South Carolina, solidified her calling to education, particularly working with inner-city children.
Following her undergraduate work, Ms. Abel completed a Master of Education in secondary science at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, further equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective science instruction. The influence of her father, a former mathematics teacher and principal at a segregated high school, and her mother, an English teacher, was critical in shaping Ms. Abel’s educational philosophy and aspirations.
A career marked by a series of leadership and advocacy positions within the educational community, Ms. Abel is a member and past president of the South Carolina Education Association. This achievement stands out as a significant milestone. Encouraged by colleagues who recognized her potential, she accepted the challenge and successfully led the organization, then later served as a UniServ representative. These roles enabled Ms. Abel to champion educators’ and students’ interests across South Carolina, reinforcing her commitment to fostering supportive learning environments.
Throughout her tenure in the classroom, Ms. Abel has become known for treating every student equally. Her approach centers on educating and supporting their overall well-being, values instilled during her own teacher training.
Ms. Abel has been recognized for her commitment to excellence, including being named Teacher of the Year at Battery Creek High School. Looking ahead, she is eager to mentor young teachers and continue making a meaningful impact on future generations of educators. She believes that genuine care for students is essential to effective teaching and remains committed to upholding this standard throughout her career. Additionally, Ms. Abel is considering opening a charter school with friends.
For more information, please visit: N/A
Contact Ms. Abel: