Christie Palladino, a biomedical sciences teacher at Aiken County Career and Technology Center, was named the 2027 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.
She was honored at the South Carolina Department of Education’s Gala in the Garden at the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia on April 23. BMW Manufacturing, the program’s premier sponsor, presented Pallandio with the keys to a brand-new BMW at the annual event.
Palladino will drive the new 2026 BMW X5 sDrive40i across the state over the next year as South Carolina’s public education ambassador. Max Metcalf, manager of government and community relations at BMW Manufacturing, said great educators help shape South Carolina’s future.
“Dr. Palladino’s hands-on approach to biomedical sciences reflects the kind of learning that builds confidence, curiosity, and career pathways,” Metcalf said. “We’re proud to support the Teacher of the Year program as part of our broader commitment to education and workforce development.”
The BMW Group has invested nearly $16 billion in its operations in South Carolina since 1992. BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is located along Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County.
