The INFORMER - Fall 2022

The INF RMER

EPI Quarterly Newsletter –

A MESSAGE FROM DR. JACKSON & DR. HIGHTOWER-MITCHELL

Welcome to the 2022 end-of-the year edition. Tis the season to share significant happenings at the Voorhees Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center). The EPI Informer provides an opportunity for readers to learn more about the past and future happenings of the EPI Center.

The EPI Center 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.

We look forward to connecting with you in future editions.

Fall 2022

INSIDE THIS ISSUE….

• Welcome Message

• Pathway Highlights

• Instructional Coaches

• Welcome New Clinical Faculty Advisors

• Welcome New Coaching Teachers

• Paraprofessional Pathways to Teaching Certification

• EPI Professional Development Conference

• In The News

• EPI Center Recruitment

Tondaleya

G. Jackson, Ed.D. Director, EPI Center

Damara Hightower Mitchell, Ed.D. Executive Director, EPI Center

Voorhees University Provost/VP Academic Affairs

• Technology Distribution & Usage

• EPI Advisory Board

• Partnerships

• Semester Wrap Up

DR. TONDALEYA G. JACKSON Director, EPI Center

DR. DAMARA HIGHTOWER MITCHELL Director, EPI Center

PATHWAY HIGHLIGHTS

Pathway ONE: RISE (Rigorous Instruction Supports Equity) Micro-Credentialing for Certified Teachers

Pathway 1 Fellows who successfully complete individualized micro credential plans earn a $4000 stipend! Congratulations to our recent completers Colleen Whetstone and Melissa Huffman. Both educators have demonstrated their commitment to achieving the next level of excellence in their professional development pursuits.

Pathway TWO: RISE Alternative Certification & 11 Month Residency Placement

Residency Shining Stars

CHELSEA MCCLAIN is a P2 Resident currently completing her teaching residency at Edisto Elementary School in Orangeburg County School District with Mentor Teacher, Ashley Murray. Ms. McClain has established great rapport with her students and mentor teacher. When leading instruction, she communicates learning objectives and connects new learning to prior learning. In addition to leading whole group instruction, you will see her leading small groups where she has helped to identify the skills to be addressed as well as grouped the students by analyzing data. Mrs. Murray has made it clear that she loves having Ms. McClain as an additional teacher in the classroom and demands that she remains. Thank you, Ms. McClain for your passion, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn and grown during your Residency.

COLLEEN WHETSTONE

MELISSA HUFFMAN

WANDA REID is currently completing her residency at Hunter Street Elementary School in York County School District with mentor teacher, Dr. LaPonya McDougald. Ms. Reid is well respected at the school and is always enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile. She can be seen working with small groups and leading Math and English Language Arts instruction. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Reid participates in Professional Collaboration Days where she shares ideas with other colleagues. On an evaluation for Ms. Reid, Mentor Teacher, Dr. McDougald wrote, “That was a brilliant idea to connect Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens with the science idea you shared! I think you shocked a few colleagues.” The Assistant Principal provided the following feedback after a classroom observation, “I loved seeing you engage with the students during their independent work time. You addressed each student’s problem with wonderful questioning that made the student feel valued. Keep it up Ms. Reid!” Thank you, Ms. Reid, for your dedication, commitment, and willingness to learn and grow during the Residency.

ROBINSON is a P2 Resident currently completing her residency at Barnwell Primary School in Barnwell 45 School District with Mentor Teacher, Heather Chambers. In the “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” it is very evident that Ms. Robinson has built strong relationships with the mentor teacher, instructional assistant, and students. Ms. Robinson is always willing to step up and serve as the lead teacher when the opportunity arises. This was evident by her ability to serve as the primary teacher when Mrs. Chambers and the instructional assistant were both out due to illness. Ms. Robinson, with the leadership and support of Mrs. Chambers, engage their kindergartens in a variety of activities. Most recently, the class studied the life cycle of pumpkins. Mickey Mouse sent some “magic pumpkin seeds” by way of mail, to the class for them to plant and discuss the life cycle. These “magic pumpkin seeds” lived up to their name and grew into pumpkins overnight. In the words of Ms. Robinson, “The children were excited.” Thank you, Ms. Robinson, for your desire to educate and serve others as you learn and grow during your Residency.

HONALI (ADRIAN)

You are a Shining Star!

You are a Shining Star!

Pathway THREE – V-NET (Voorhees Network for Enhanced Teaching)

P3 Fellows are provided with the unique opportunity to complete a Teacher Residency while also earning their degree! The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning contains two concentrations: (1) PK-12 Education and (2) Education Systems Improvement. Candidates for the M.Ed. degree have been hard at work completing courses and preparing for the next level of excellence. The first cohort of graduate students started in March 2022 and cohort two students followed in August 2022. The Graduate Studies Program at Voorhees University is led by founding Dean, Dr. Gwenda R. Greene. Additional information on the degree and requirements can be found below.

IMPROVEMENT SCIENCE BOOK STUDY

As part of their teaching and learning process, P4 Fellows engaged in a three-day book study learning the six principles of Improvement Science. With each session, Fellows learned how principles can inform changes in discipline specific pedagogical practices and protocols for applying principles to address discipline specific problems of practice. The EPI Center Improvement Team is Carnegie trained to support educators in their use of the Improvement Science framework.

PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

AND TRAINING CONFERENCES

As part of P4 participation, EPI Fellows have the agency to participate in professional development conferences of their choosing. To date, the EPI Center has supported the following teachers in their professional development pursuits: Cynthia Hoover, Charlene Osbourne Henry, and Ann Maria Duffus Edwards. The educators listed attended the annual SC Ed Tech Conference to glean strategies that can be used to address their problems of practice.

INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES

DR. PEGGY HOTCHKISS

Margaret (Peggy) Hotchkiss is an experienced educator who lives in a mountain valley in Wyoming. Peggy earned a B.A. in geology from Vassar College, an M.A. in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado, and an Ed.D. in educational administration from Arizona State University. She has been an elementary classroom teacher, middle school science teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, and school administrator. In addition to being a VIC, she also works part-time as an academic and productivity coach. In her spare time, Peggy is the non-stipendiary priest of St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church in Saratoga, WY. Developing new teachers is one of Peggy’s passions. She believes in empowering teachers to be the best they can be so that their students can blossom in a caring and nurturing environment.

VALENTINE LOLLER

Ms. Valentine Loller was born in Huntsville, Alabama and was raised in Holly Hill, South Carolina by her grandmother who imparted wisdom and morals that she will forever cherish. She is a proud graduate of Alabama A&M University where she received both her bachelor's and master’s degree in elementary education. Ms. Loller continued her professional journey in education by completing her specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction - Elementary Education from Liberty University. Her primary objective is to seek first to understand while cultivating minds in hopes of transforming lives that will positively impact generations to come. Moreover, she remains committed to maintaining the highest professional standards and continued intrapersonal professional growth.

DR. TAMMER SIMPKINS

Tammer earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University. She has worked in several elementary settings in Columbia, SC, over the past 24 years. During this time, she also earned a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction, was National Board Certified in the area of Middle Childhood Generalist and was trained as a Math & Science instructional coach through the SC Department of Education. In addition, she has worked as an Assistant Principal, Adjunct Instructor and has obtained her Ed.D in Teacher Leadership. Her professional passion is helping to empower teachers to increase their pedagogical skills/knowledge.

DR. GRETCHEN SPENCER

Dr. Gretchen Spencer has worked in the field of education for over 25 years. She began her career in Los Angeles with an emergency credential, teaching in an urban school and a classroom of students who were new to the United States. She has taught PreK12th, in general and special education and in three different states. She earned National Board Certification in Early Childhood Education and is certified in both general and special education and have endorsements in gifted, ELL, and an autism specialist certification. Dr. Spencer holds a MS is in Educational Psychology and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Additionally, she holds an EDS and an EDD in Educational Leadership. These experiences and education enable her to have a wide and inclusive view of students. She is a strong believer in being a lifelong learner, the power of education, and the evolution that comes with working as part of a team. She is excited to be part of the EPI Center at Voorhees University.

WELCOME NEW CLINICAL FACULTY ADVISORS

MRS. TARA BROMAN

Tara Broman received her master’s degree in Teaching from the College of Charleston. She is certified in Early Childhood, as well as Elementary Education. She has an add-on certification in Gifted and Talented Education and has taken multiple classes in Teaching Children of Poverty. Mrs. Broman has taught in CERDEP, 1st grade,4th grade, and 5th grade classrooms. She has also had the privilege to work with students and educators in a variety of other settings. She has worked as a Curriculum Coordinator, an Adjunct Instructor for Trident Technical College, and an Early Literacy Consultant. Mrs. Broman currently teaches and learns with fourth graders at Howe Hall Arts Infused Magnet School in Goose Creek, SC. She also acts as the grade level representative and a mentor teacher. Mrs. Broman is excited to take on the new role of Clinical Faculty Advisor for the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation.

DR. JULIE HARTWELL

Dr. Julie Hartwell is a veteran educator with twenty-eight years of experience in education. Her professional experiences include school, district and state program management and professional development involving mathematics education, school quality, school choice, charter schools, student nutrition, and educator evaluation. She is a former public-school teacher, with experience guiding school and district-level intervention initiatives. She has served as program coordinator, federal grant project director, and state and national-level trainer. Dr. Hartwell earned a BS degree from Benedict College, a M.Ed. degree from the University of South Carolina, and a PhD from Clemson University.

MRS. TISHA SIMMONS

Tisha Simmons is a veteran teacher with 16 years of experience in the regular classroom and more than two years of experience as a virtual teacher. Mrs. Simmons has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Charleston Southern University, a Master of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, and a Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology from Winthrop University. She became a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy and Reading in 2009 and renewed her certification in 2019. In February of 2022, Mrs. Simmons received her National Virtual Teacher certification from the National Virtual Teachers Association.

Mrs. Simmons has recently ventured into writing monthly educational articles for her local newspaper to assist parents with becoming more active in their children’s education. Her desire is to help improve the quality of education the children of South Carolina receive by actively involving parents in the education process.

Mrs. Simmons is a native of South Carolina and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She looks forward to working with the EPI Center as they work towards improving the education system in our state.

WELCOME NEW COACHING TEACHERS

DR. MICHELLE GREENE

A native Georgetonian, Dr. Michelle Greene is a 33-year veteran educator from Georgetown County School District. She has served in many capacities, from substitute teacher to retired high school principal. Dr. Greene enjoys working with children of all ages, and she credits her educational success to having great mentors. Her motto is pinned by the great Benjamin Mays, who says…

MS. JACKIE MEGGIE

Jackie Meggie was born and raised in Lancaster, S.C. She reached a point in life when she knew she wanted to change careers and do something different and more meaningful. Ms. Meggie decided she could add value and make a difference to our children’s lives. It was then that she knew education was the profession she wanted to pursue.

She obtained her Professional Teacher Certificate, National Board Teacher Certification, and Master of Education degree. She is currently in her 20th year as a classroom teacher and enjoying every moment of it.

CHANDRA MOORER

Chandra Moorer is a native of Orangeburg, SC, and married to Jacob Moorer Jr. She is the mother of three daughters and has one adorable granddaughter. Chandra holds two M.A. degrees: Integrating Technology into the Classroom and Early Childhood Education. She is currently the Literacy Coach at Dover Elementary School. This is her 21st year in education and she wholeheartedly believes in the philosophy that all children can learn and deserve an equitable learning experience.

MS. CAROLYN SNIDER

Ms. Carolyn Snider is a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher at St. Matthews K8 School in St. Matthews, SC with 27 years of experience. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education +30 in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC. She is an Early Childhood Generalist national board-certified teacher and has Gifted & Talented and Read to Succeed Literacy endorsements. She has served in the following capacities: Lead Teacher, English Department Chair, AdvancED team, ADEPT evaluator, South Carolina certified mentor, Student Government Association advisor, District Technology Team, and District Curriculum Team.

"Failure isn't in not reaching your goal but in having no goal to reach."

PARAPROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS TO TEACHING CERTIFICATION

On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, the EPI Center hosted the Paraprofessional Pathways to Teaching Certification at the Orangeburg County Library and Conference Center. The EPI Staff and guest speakers provided a professional development day for paraprofessionals in its partnering school districts. A diverse set of teaching paraprofessionals elected to enroll in pathways to teaching certification at the Voorhees Center of Excellencefor Educator Preparation and Innovation. The EPI center acknowledges and appreciates the impact of dynamic workshops conducted by inspirational speakers and leaders. Dr. Dorothy Gandy, Voorhees University Virtual Learning and Persistence Coordinator (pictured bottom right), was also on hand to support educators interested in completing their degrees through Voorhees University (VU) Online.

EPI PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

Pursuing Excellence with Metrics & Mindsets

November 16 - 18, 2022

The Professional Development Conference provided the EPI Team members with an opportunity to dig deeper into the work of the EPI Center as they consider best practices and data that inform programming.

EDUCATOR PREPARATION AND INNOVATION PIPELINE

Voorhees University Partnership Receives $18.9 Million Grant to Improve Teaching and Learning

Voorhees University and its partners have received a grant totaling $18.9 million from the U.S. Department of Education to prepare teachers to improve learning outcomes for students. The three-year grant, awarded under the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program, was announced in late September. Voorhees proposed a project entitled Chicago SEED. “The ultimate aim of this grant is to develop a model for effective teaching using improvement science, competency-based learning and the work of renowned educator Marva Collins that can be replicated in various contexts,” said Damara Hightower Mitchell, Voorhees provost and executive director of the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation. “Partner leaders, such as and Dr. Thomas Maridada who is president of the Center for Strategic Leadership and Organizational Coherence, were trained and mentored by Mrs. Collins and are award-winning educators who have demonstrated astounding success and impact utilizing her strategies.”

EPI CENTER RECRUITMENT

CAE AIRPORT ADS

The EPI Center airport ads welcome travelers to Columbia, South Carolina. The ads encourage viewers to learn more about the Center and how we can help support their professional development learning needs.

COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN AIRPORT'S MULTI-SCHOOL TAILGATING EVENT

The EPI Team and VU Athletes welcomed travelers to Columbia, SC and provided each with more information on the educator preparation opportunities available through the EPI Center.

SC ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS CONFERENCE

SC ED TECH CONFERENCE

EPI Team members conduct tabling and information sessions at SC Association of School Administrators Conference

SC Ed Tech Conference provided EPI Team members with an opportunity to connect with educators statewide.

TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTION & USAGE

The EPI Center provides technology to support EPI Fellows in their pathway completion. Educators can record their classroom instruction and receive support and guidance from coaching teachers and clinical faculty advisors on the EPI Team.

EPI ADVISORY BOARD

DR. TREDA KEITH-NELSON is SCABSE’s Elementary Principal of the Year. Dr. Keith-Nelson is a principal in Calhoun County School District and a member of the EPI Advisory Board

PARTNERSHIPS

The EPI Center has formal partnerships with the 14 SC School Districts listed below. The EPI Center serves educators across 21 SC Counties!

• Allendale County School District

• Barnwell County Consolidated School District

• Barnwell School District 45

• Calhoun County Public Schools

• Charleston County School District

• Chester County Schools

• Darlington County School District

• Georgetown County School District

• Orangeburg County School District

• Richland School District Two

• Rock Hill Schools

• Sumter County Schools

• Williamsburg County School District

• York School District One

SEMESTER WRAP UP

A Winter Wonderland of VUCEEPI Achievements 2022

The Winter Wonderland Semester Wrap-up was held on the campus of Voorhees University. EPI Center staff and educators reflected on a year of excitement and achievements. A good time was definitely had by all!