There are more than 50,000 South Carolina teachers. Out of those tens of thousands, only five remain in the running for South Carolina's annual Teacher of the Year award, and two are from our area.

After 24 years in the classroom, Beth Hinson describes her job as "journey of discovery" for, not just her students, but for herself. The Dillon High School biology teacher is said to be "talented at putting young people at ease." Her journey and talents have led her to be one of five finalists for the annual award.

Another finalist, Annitra Jean Allman, is a 34-year education veteran. Allman teaches eighth-grade math at Johnakin Middle School in Marion County.  She is said to "bring a down-home style to her teaching, using folksy language and different voices and accents as attention-grabbers," as described by the South Carolina Department of Education.

Nominees were chosen from 82 local school districts around the Palmetto State, as well as the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Palmetto Unified School District, the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind and the South Carolina Public Charter School District. They were selected by a panel of educators and private citizens.

"I congratulate these teachers," said State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais. "The work that they do in the classroom, their leadership among their peers and their efforts in the community honor their profession and reflect a commitment to improving the lives of our young people."

The finalists will travel to Columbia in March for personal interviews with a seven-member state Selection Committee. South Carolina's 2011-12 Teacher of the Year will be revealed on April 27th in Columbia.

South Carolina's winner will represent all state teachers in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

South Carolina's new Teacher of the Year will also receive a $25,000 cash award. The four remaining finalists, or Honor Roll teachers, will receive $10,000 each.