EPI Newsletter - November 2021

Voorhees College Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation & Innovation

November 2021

The INF RMER EPI Newsletter A MESSAGE FROM DR. JACKSON & DR. HIGHTOWER-MITCHELL Greetings Constituents, We warmly welcome you to the inaugural edition of the Voorhees College Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI) newsletter. The EPI Informer provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the past and future happenings of the EPI Center and EPI Fellows. We believe you will find the content informative. EPI values its collaborations and remains open to partnerships that will support our commitment to teaching and learning. Follow us on all the socials and share your comments. Thank you for being a vital part of the EPI Center. We look forward to connecting with you in future editions.

Yours in Service,

Dr. Damara Hightower-Mitchell

Dr. Tondaleya Jackson

Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs

Associate Professor and Director Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation & Innovation

INSIDE THIS ISSUE….

EPI FELLOWS

EPI DISTRICTS

EPI RECRUITMENT

ORIENTATION WEEK

SCHOOL DISTRICT RECRUITMENT DISTRICT PARTNERSHIPS

SITE VISITS MEET THE COACHES SAVE THE DATES

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Voorhees College Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation & Innovation

November 2021

EPI FELLOW ORIENTATION WEEK - SEPTEMBER 20-24, 2021 The EPI Center Fall 2021 Orientation Week of activities was held in September. The EPI Staff provided EPI Fellows with professional learning opportunities that reflected the strategic goals & values of the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation. EPI Fellows learned about improvement science, culturally relevant pedagogy, and community building. Orientation Week resulted in the launch of a collaborative and cohesive community of learners among EPI Fellows and EPI Program staff.

EPI Fellows said they “found all sessions relevant and noted the Culturally Relevant Pedgagogy session as thoroughly engaging.”

100% of EPI Fellows said they were “inspired to complete their Pathway after Orientation Week.”

The EPI Center’s current school district partnerships include: Allendale County Schools, Barnwell School District 19, Calhoun County Public Schools, Chester County School District, Colleton County School District, Orangeburg Consolidated School District, and Williston School District.

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Voorhees College Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation & Innovation

November 2021

SCHOOL DISTRICT RECRUITMENT The EPI Center District Recruitment efforts are currently underway!

The EPI Center is actively seeking opportunities to support certified teachers and career changes seeking a career in education. EPI Staff members are visiting school districts in opportunity zones throughout the state. Please contact the EPI Director for more information or to schedule presentations for certified teachers and professional staff interested in learning more!

EPI VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION DAYS & TIMES REGISTER TODAY! DECEMBER 14, 2021-6:30PM-7:00PM DECEMBER 15, 2021-6:30PM-7:00PM DECEMBER 16, 2021-6:30PM-7:00PM DECEMBER 17, 2021-6:30PM-7:00PM The EPI Center’s Clinical Faculty Advisors are currently hosting virtual Information Sessions to help future participants learn more about each of the EPI Center Pathways and apply for participation. Pathway I: RISE (Rigorous Instruction Supports Equity) allows currently certified educators to earn micro-credentials for renewal credit. Pathway 2, which provides support for alternative certification, is also a component of RISE. Launching in 2022 is VNET (Voorhees Network for Advanced Teaching) Pathway 3, which will allow participants to earn a Master’s Degree and alternative certification support. Pathway 4: IMPACT (Improvement Science Propels Achievement and Critical Teaching) provides professional development and support for English/Language Arts Teachers.

Clinical Faculty Advisors are conducting classroom observations to assist teachers in identifying and addressing problems of practice at schools within EPI’s Partner Districts!

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Voorhees College Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation & Innovation

November 2021

MEET THE EPI CENTER COACHING TEACHERS (2021 – 2022) EPI Coaching Teachers are highly qualified certified teachers with a plethora of professional strengths and talents to support EPI Fellows. All EPI Coaching Teachers are certified National Board Certified and Master Teachers who have achieved recognition for their classroom gains. The EPI Coaching Teachers commit to excellence in teaching, which is exhibited through extensive content knowledge and the implementation of various effective teaching practices. EPI Coaching Teachers will be supporting EPI Fellows in their use and implementation of improvement science principles.

Dr. Wanda Green-Adams

Marie Hallman

Hank Herring

St. Matthews K-8 Schools

HKT Elementary School

Dutch Fork High School

Ivy C. Palmer

Kara Wells

Georgetown High School

Pine Grove Elementary

DECEMBER 7, 2021-5:00PM-7:00PM EPI FELLOWS MICRO CREDENTIAL VIRTUAL LAUNCH DECEMBER 13, 2021-5:00PM-7:00PM EPI FELLOWS END OF SEMESTER WRAP UP (ON SITE) MASSACHUSETTS HALL VOORHEES COLLEGE REMEMBER TO CHECK BASECAMP REGULARLY FOR DATES AND UPDATES.

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