Molly Spearman

Molly Mitchell Spearman of Saluda County was elected as the 18th South Carolina State Superintendent of Education on November 4, 2014 and took the oath of office on January 14, 2015. 

Her entire career and personal life has prepared her for the role of leading the state's public education system. Growing up on a dairy farm in the rolling hills of Saluda County and graduating from the rural Hollywood High School, she learned the importance of hard work and an appreciation of the skill set needed for a successful career.

She received a B.A. in Music Education from Lander College where she served as President of the Student Government. Her studies also included a Masters of Arts in Education Supervision from George Washington University, and an Education Specialist Degree from the University of South Carolina. 

For over 18 years she served as a classroom music teacher and an assistant principal. She was elected to four terms as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives representing Saluda County and portions of Lexington County (House District 39). While there she championed education and children's issues and was named Legislator of the Year by the American Legion and the Department of Health and Environmental Control. She served on the Agriculture, Education and Ways and Means Committees.

In 1998, she became the Deputy Superintendent of Education for the South Carolina Department of Education and worked with educators, legislators, and the business community to pass the Education and Economic Development Act, the National Board Certification for teachers, and other innovative education reforms. From 2004 - 2014, she served as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, a professional organization representing over 3800 school and district leaders. Her understanding of the importance of strong school principals who support effective teachers will be a focus of her administration.

Married to Bill Spearman for over 38 years, they are the proud parents of Mitchell, Franklin (deceased) and Katie Spearman Cornwell (Lee). She is the former President of the South Carolina American Legion Auxiliary, National Chairman of Girls State Committee and Director of Girls Nation. She has participated in Palmetto Girls State since attending as a high school senior. On Sunday mornings you will find her serving as the organist at her small country church.

Her priorities as Superintendent of Education are ensuring school safety and a system of instruction that will prepare every graduate for successful life after high school. The foundation for that instruction is effective classroom teachers and principals who facilitate personalized learning for every student, every day.