On the opening night of the conference, the Aynor Blue Pan Jam Band helped us kick off the workshop with several celebratory numbers! Band director Connie Christy is an outstanding teacher leader! She works tirelessly with the students and we appreciate her and Aynor Elementary School principal Reggie Gasque for their continued support of our efforts! The students, parents, and school leaders demonstrate why we do the things we do-- and the spirit of collaboration is awesome!
The National Teacher of the Year, Michelle Shearer, did a phenomenal job of sharing her passion and inspiring each of us to give our all! One of my favorite quotes from Michelle..."Want for others' kids, what you want for your own!" I especially enjoyed the opportunity to talk shop with her over lunch! She was down to earth, inspirational, and humble. I am so glad she represents the voices of educators across our nation! You can listen to an interview with Michelle conducted by CERRA's own Todd Scholl below.
Thursday provided many opportunities for us to explore leadership. Patti and I led a session on teacher leadership to kick off the morning. We challenged the district teachers to reflect on their role. The title of Teacher of the Year is not about a title, but an opportunity to serve. We must lead within our classrooms and beyond the four walls as well. Educators have a practice, just as other professionals. There is no such thing as "just" a teacher!
The breakout sessions provided opportunities for participants to develop further insight and encourage one another on the journey. My colleague Marcella Wine Snyder encouraged participants to be the one...the one who will be the change..the spark...the one who will inspire others to join them to make a difference! Check out the Power of One!
My colleague Todd Scholl, Coordinator of Communications and Technology, provided an excellent session on utilizing various tools and social media to get the positive word out there! Kathy Maness, director of Palmetto State Teachers Association, led a primer on advoacy, to equip teacher leaders with the latest information on policy and legislative matters. Our luncheon speaker was Otis Rawl, the President and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. We are fortunate in SC to have business leaders and community stakeholders who value and affirm what we do on a daily basis, and more importantly want to collaborate and help us move SC forward.
We know the challenges we face, but we have much to celebrate about SC education! It was great to reflect and reconnect with former State Teachers of the Year. We all shared stories of hope, hilarious adventures during our year of service, and why we do the things we do!
Our 2011 honor roll teachers facilitated regional work sessions for the teacher leaders to explore strengths, challenges and collaborate with one another to create vision statements. Powerful!!
Cindi Rigsbee, 2009 National Teacher of the Year Finalist and North Carolina Teacher of the Year, served as our opening speaker for Friday! She inspired us through laughter and tears as she shared her classroom experiences and her quest to find her first grade teacher Mrs. Warnecke. I encourage you to check out the book! Inspirational, motivational, definitely a keeper!
Dr. Mick Zais, State Superintendent of Education, spoke to our group of honorees and outlined his vision for South Carolina education. He provided an opportunity for participants to ask questions as well.
The Aynor High School Blue Notes served as our closing special entertainment!! Under the direction of Amy Ward, they inspired and brought the house down with wonderful renditions of Carolina On My Mind, You Are so Beautiful, and Shining Star to name a few!! They were amazing!
Patti Tate, 2012 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, ended the workshop with words of wisdom, inspiration, and hope! She makes me proud to be a teacher in South Carolina and represents the voices of educators and students so well!
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