For more than three decades, generations of Kershaw County students, teachers, and families have known the name Ginger Catoe — not just as an educator, but as a mentor, advocate, and steady champion for public education.
Now, after a 36-year career serving local schools, Catoe has been appointed to the South Carolina State Board of Education by Senator Jeffery Graham. While the appointment places her on a statewide stage, those who know her say the heart of her work will always remain rooted in the classrooms and communities of Kershaw County.
For Catoe, the path to education began long before she stepped into her first classroom.
“As the daughter of a career educator, it’s not hard to understand why I do what I do each day,” she said. “Standing on the shoulders of giants — one of whom is my sweet daddy — I witnessed firsthand the power of servant leadership.”
That early example set the tone for a career defined by mentorship, compassion, and a deep belief in the potential of students and educators alike. Over the years, Catoe says she was shaped by the many mentors who guided her along the way.
“I have been blessed with so many servant leaders who were willing to teach me how to be a better educator,” she said.
Throughout her career in Kershaw County schools, Catoe served both in the classroom and in leadership roles, most recently as the district’s Director for Elementary Education before retiring in May 2024. Yet when she reflects on the moments that matter most, it’s often the simple milestones that come to mind.
“I love the start of each school year — the newness of it,” she said. “Watching parents bring their Pre-K and Kindergartners to school on Day One is a milestone for sure.”
She also cherishes memories from her early years teaching English at Camden High School and Lugoff-Elgin High School in the 1990s. Even today, she still keeps up with many of those former students.
“I love cheering them on and seeing what they’ve accomplished,” she said.
Some of her proudest moments, however, come from watching fellow educators grow in their own careers.
“Seeing teachers graduate with advanced degrees, become National Board Certified, or celebrate life milestones like marriage, children, or buying a home — sharing life’s joys and pains with my school families has truly been a blessing,” she said.
Over the years, Catoe developed a leadership philosophy centered on empowering teachers and principals to grow into confident leaders within their schools.
“Allowing educators to realize their full potential can make the difference between someone leaving the profession due to frustration or remaining and thriving as a leader in their school and community,” she said.
Those lessons from Kershaw County schools will now guide her work at the state level.
Her experience working with organizations such as United Way, First Steps, and the Kershaw County Public Library — along with her district leadership role — gave her opportunities to collaborate with educators and policymakers across South Carolina. More recently, after retiring, she joined the Academic Alliance of South Carolina, helping provide professional development and support for educators working with students with disabilities.
“Working in districts across the state has allowed me to see many different perspectives and hear directly from educators about their needs,” she said.
When she first learned of her appointment to the State Board of Education, Catoe says she felt both humbled and deeply grateful.
“I was humbled and honored,” she said. “I only wish both of my parents were still alive so I could share the news with them.”
As a member of the Board’s Standards, Learning, and Accountability Committee, she hopes to continue supporting teachers and principals — the people she says are the backbone of public education.
She also believes strongly that educators themselves must have a voice in shaping education policy.
“Teacher voices are powerful,” Catoe said. “Legislators need to hear from them to truly understand how policies affect their daily lives in the classroom.”
That perspective is especially important for rural communities like Kershaw County, where educators often face unique challenges.
“My love of our district and state is deeply rooted in the belief that our children can succeed,” she said. “I’ve witnessed the powerful work of Kershaw County educators who rise to the challenge each day to help their students.”
Looking toward the future, Catoe says one of the most urgent priorities facing education today is addressing the teacher shortage.
“Our children need passionate educators who want to teach and lead our schools,” she said. “We must recruit young people into education, break down barriers to certification, and support the teachers we already have.”
For young educators just beginning their careers, she offers simple but heartfelt advice.
“Seek out a mentor,” she said. “Find someone who will give you honest feedback and help you grow. And when you are tired, rest. Taking care of yourself is key to your success as an educator.”
Though her role now extends across the state, Catoe says her purpose remains unchanged.
Her mission, as it has always been, is to support the teachers, students, and families who make communities like Kershaw County strong — one classroom at a time.
