BLYTHEWOOD — Tim Ray, a social studies teacher at Kelly Mill Middle School, was named the January Educator of the Month for the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program. The honor was announced recently by State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, who launched the program in an effort to bridge the gap in personal finance education across the state’s K-12 schools.
The program recognizes experts who demonstrate a passion for teaching students the fundamentals of money management. As a Master Teacher, Ray provides specialized instruction that helps students navigate complex financial decisions long before they enter the workforce.
“I applaud the efforts of Tim Ray and his fellow Financial Literacy Master Teachers for their continued work and commitment to teach our young people about the importance of making sound financial decisions,” Loftis said.
Ray’s path to the classroom was as unique as the subject he teaches. Before becoming an educator, Ray spent 20 years as a professional cartographer, working in state government, private industry, and as a small business owner. After graduating from the South Carolina Program for Alternate Certification for Educators (PACE), he brought his real-world experience into the social studies department at Kelly Mill Middle.
“All South Carolina citizens should be financially literate, and teaching students in school is how we accomplish this feat,” Ray explained. “Students need to understand financial literacy and how it impacts their lives and decisions as adults—from managing a personal budget to paying for college.”
Ray’s academic background is extensive. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Central Florida. He is also deeply rooted in the state’s education system; he is married to a 25-year veteran of South Carolina public schools and is the proud parent of two children.
The Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program is sponsored by Future Scholar, the state’s 529 College Savings Plan, in partnership with SC Economics. Since its inception in 2020, the initiative has provided incentives and resources to help teachers across the Palmetto State promote financial responsibility in their classrooms.
