Catching The Wave

“We are inventing the future,” [ Apple's Steve Jobs told a job applicant]. “Think about surfing on the front edge of a wave. It’s really exhilarating. Now think about dog-paddling at the tail end of that wave. It wouldn’t be anywhere near as much fun. Come down here and make a dent in the universe.”

Educators are in the dream developing business and we can certainly make a dent in the universe!!  We are ready to surf this summer and catch a few waves of our own in South Carolina! I am excited about partnering with others to turn a dream into a reality. The Induction Symposium began as an idea on paper... and it is quickly becoming a reality! On July 11, 2012, we will welcome 200 educators from across South Carolina to be a part of the Pipeline to Success! The Induction Symposium will provide opportunities for beginning teachers to gather ideas and resources, network with teacher leaders, and continue their leadership development!

It is our hope that we do not simply plan an event, but an experience that will change people's lives.

Please visit our symposium website at http://www.cerra.org/symposium to register or submit a conference proposal! Proposals are due by May 18!

 

Leadership Exchange

Leadership Exchange 2012

I had a wonderful opportunity to meet with inspiring student leaders from USC Aiken, Converse College and Suffolk University in Boston through a wonderful initiative provided on the campuses for student leaders to participate in a leadership exchange. The event was held on Saturday, March 31! It was rejuvenating to meet with passionate community leaders of tomorrow who want to make a difference!


The purpose of the exchange program is for the universities to spend a semester examining a social issue (this year it is K-12 public education) and then provide an opportunity for the students to visit each other’s campuses to examine the issue in their part of the country. The core purpose is to help student leaders understand how they can make a difference not only on their campuses, but in the communities in which they live.

USC Aiken students visited Boston and had the opportunity to meet with a variety of people involved with the Boston Public School System as well as visit two different high schools. In South Carolina, the students visited two local elementary schools, spoke with a variety of education leaders in the community, and conducted a community service project at Aiken Elementary.  I had a chance to be a part of the closing session with the student leaders for their South Carolina visit.  

It was an honor to be invited by Ahmed Samaha, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Life at USCA, to share about my experiences with South Carolina public schools. I was fortunate to be a part of the student leadership programs at USC Aiken through my undergraduate experiences, so I was thrilled to come back and be a part of the exchange. I had the opportunity to share my passion for education, explore triumphs and challenges we face as a state and nation, and share some positive news about South Carolina public education.

Did you know...

• Education Week’s annual Quality Counts report ranks South Carolina number 1 in the nation for Teacher Quality. The state has ranked 1st in the nation since 2008!

• Education Week’s annual Quality Counts report gives South Carolina an A in Standards, Assessments and Accountability, ranking the state 6th in the nation!

• South Carolina news headlines in 2011 revealed that last year’s graduating seniors earned $960 million in college scholarships. (SC Department of Education)

• South Carolina saw a decline in the high school dropout rate. This past year 800 fewer students dropped out of state high schools!

Collectively, we can continue to move education forward in South Carolina and make a difference in the lives of students and our communities by investing in public education! I want to thank Ahmed for inviting me to participate and for the opportunities he provides for each of us to grow and learn about leadership!

March Madness

March Madness is over (and I'm not referring to basketball)!

This past month has been a flurry of wonderful opportunities with mentoring and teacher leadership initiatives. During the month of March, we hosted a regional initial mentor training, conducted an Analysis of Student Work training, an advanced mentor trainer academy in collaboration with NetSCOPE, and provided Coaching and Observation training, another advanced academy, for Charleston County mentors. I am excited about the opportunities for growth as we continue to expand our scope with mentoring!

Analysis of Student Work Mentor Academy

Opportunities for growth and revitalization abound with our District Teacher Forums. Over the past month, I have traveled to Spartanburg 7, Cherokee, and Dorchester 4 school districts to support forum efforts. I am so proud of the teacher leaders of this state and the work they do daily to move students and our profession forward. 

The month of March also brought us reasons to celebrate. I want to congratulate the five finalists for South Carolina Teacher of the Year and the outstanding District Teachers of the Year!

You can read more about the five finalists on our web page:

http://cerra.org/newsAndMedia/articles/89.html

I want to also congratulate all of the candidates for Teaching Fellows! I had the chance to serve at the Savannah River Regional site at my Alma mater, Midland Valley High School. Excited about all the opportunities for service in April! 

Lander Teaching Fellows

Excited about Interviews!

Dr. Lee Vartanian, Genie McDill, and Lander Fellows