SCABSE Teacher of the Year

Thomas Slater is the chorus and general music instructor at Chestnut Oaks Middle School with the Sumter School District. He earned a bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State University, and a master’s in education administration from Grand Canyon University. He has served over 30 years in the classroom.

Thomas discovered as a sophomore in high school that his passion was to pursue a music career. Inspired by his family of educators, and his high school band director, he enthusiastically began his musical journey as his life’s purpose.
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Thomas prides himself on empowering students to reach beyond what they think they can accomplish. He encourages them to think outside the box, not only musically, but in other disciplines of learning as well. He provides a learning environment that is safe and nurturing, promoting risk-taking, which is met with encouragement to help students succeed.