When we focus on educator quality, students benefit the most! During the 2012-13 school year, over sixty school districts participated in mentor trainings! Through a cadre of certified trainers, we trained 1,500 initial mentors at 55 sessions, for an overall total of 10,512 certified mentors since the mentor training initiatives began in SC!
Charleston County School District sponsored a mentor academy in June during their annual symposium! The district hosted four initial mentor trainings and two advanced trainings for certified mentors. The academy idea was innovative, collaborative, and enabled the district to support ongoing educator quality efforts.
In July, we co-sponsored the second annual South Carolina Induction Symposium with Newberry College RETAIN Center of Excellence. Through the generosity of sponsors Palmetto State Teachers Association, the South Carolina Education Association, Bojangles, Fran Halloran of Horace Mann, Reading Warehouse, Smilemakers, and The Citadel School of Education, we were able to expand the program to a two day event. The town of Lexington, Mayor Randy Halfacre, and the staff at Meadow Glen Elementary School provided a wonderful environment for the symposium. We also appreciate all of the vendors who provided door prizes and made everyone feel special! The event would not have been possible without the leadership of the teacher leaders on our CERRA Advisory Board who led professional learning, promoted advocacy, and facilitated sessions. On opening night we were fortunate to have the National Teacher of the Year, Jeff Charboneau, serve as our keynote speaker. He inspired the audience to make a difference. On Day 2, our 2014 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, Darleen Sutton, kicked off the morning with words of inspiration. Participants had the opportunity to select from over 40 breakout sessions presented by outstanding teacher leaders across SC. We also appreciate the panelists who offered their perspectives and hope about the future of teaching and learning in SC! Check out the videos below to listen to the National Teacher of the Year and more snapshots from the event! We are already excited about planning the 2014 experience! Looking forward to a great 2013-14 school year! 