Pedersen named Lugoff-Elgin Middle Assistant Principal

Lugoff-Elgin Middle School announces Chelsea Pedersen as its new assistant principal.

“I  am excited to welcome Ms. Pedersen to Lugoff-Elgin Middle School. She brings incredible energy, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to doing what is best for students. I am confident that she will build meaningful relationships with our students, staff, and families, and I look forward to the positive impact she will have on our school community,” says Lugoff-Elgin Middle Principal LaKeisha Lawrence.

Currently, Pedersen serves as an Assistant Administrator at Westwood High School in Richland School District Two. Prior to moving into administration in 2023, she taught Physical Education and Health at Westwood High for seven years, where she served as the physical education department chair. She began her teaching career as a PE teacher at Clover Middle, where she served for four years.

While at Westwood High, she served as the Assistant Athletic Director, leading the girls' varsity soccer program for four years and the boys' program for three years. 

“I am deeply honored and eager to step into the role of Assistant Principal and join the Lugoff-Elgin Middle School family. As we begin this journey together, I look forward to devoting my energy to the success of our school community by providing unwavering support to our students, empowering our dedicated staff, and building strong, collaborative partnerships with all of our families. I am incredibly excited to listen, learn, and grow with you all as we write the next successful chapter for Lugoff-Elgin Middle School,” says Pedersen.

She earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education and a masters of education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Winthrop University. She also attended Arkansas State University where she received a master of science degree in Sport Administration and a certificate in school administration.

She is a member of South Carolina Association of School Administrators, SC Education Association, and National Education Association.

Since 2024, Pedersen has served as a director and coach for Technical Soccer Club in Kershaw County.

Outside of the school building, she loves staying active and exploring the world. In her free time, she can usually be found out on the field coaching soccer, traveling the world, or enjoying quality time with her family, her dogs Cruz and Harry, and her cats Charlie, Kona, and Freya.