VOLUME X, ISSUE 1 • NOVEMBER 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE SoE Awards to Recognize Outstanding Students

Message from the Dean 2 This year, the School of Education is pleased to announce two SoE Student of the Month Awards created for recognition of outstanding scholarship and service. Benchmarks 3 • Teachers of the Year Student Service Award • Alumnus Selected to Education Policy Program The Student Service Award honors students who are making significant contributions to the community through giving of their time, talents and dedication in volunteer work beyond their Programs, Prospects course requirements. & Pathways 5 • Fitness & Academic Any undergraduate or graduate student in a SoE program who has completed 60 hours or more Performance • State Conference ( Junior standing or higher) is eligible for consideration of this award. Additional criteria is listed at: www.uscupstate.edu/uploadedFiles/academics/Education/Criteria--The%20School%20of%20 Greenville Campus 7 Education%20Service%20Awards.pdf Sumter Campus 8 Faculty members can nominated students or students can nominate themselves. Nomination On the Calendar 16 forms are online and can be completed by going to: www.uscupstate.edu/uploadedFiles/academics/ Education/Nomination%20Form%20Service%20Award.pdf

Scholarship Award The Scholarship Award recognizes students who have attained outstanding academic success.

To be eligible for this award, any undergraduate or graduate student in a SoE program must have completed 60 hours or more ( Junior standing or higher). Additional criteria is listed at: www.uscupstate.edu/uploadedFiles/academics/Education/Criteria--The%20School%20of%20 Education%20Service%20Awards.pdf

Faculty members can nominated students or students can nominate themselves. Nomination forms are online and can be completed by going to: www.uscupstate.edu/uploadedFiles/academics/ Education/Nomination%20Form%20Scholarship%20Award.pdf

Praxis Programs Key to Teacher Certification

Praxis Core and Praxis II are the gateway examinations into the The School of Education provides writing and math “boot camps” professional education program and the teaching profession. and workshops to assist students in their preparation for the Praxis exams. These workshops are open to students at USC Upstate A student must have passed Praxis Core or have earned a score of main, Greenville and Sumter Campuses, as well as to Spartanburg 24 on ACT or 1,650 on SAT I to continue the education program. Community College students. Near the end of their programs, students take Praxis II to become certified to teach in their content area. Contact the SoE for information about upcoming workshops. Visit www.ets.org/praxis for more about the program.

1 school of education news Message From the Dean This is the Fall 2016 issue of the USC Upstate School of Education newsletter. We have chosen this publication as a means to inform our candidates, alumni, friends and the University community of some of the exciting work of faculty and students, as well as to share successes of our graduates. I am honored and privileged to serve as the Interim Dean of the USC Upstate School of Education.

We have an excellent faculty who model core commitments of teaching excellence, collaboration, leadership and innovation. Our faculty members are engaged in the teaching, learning and research process which leads to collaborative work with their students, the public schools and other education professionals to bring about systemic change within the education community. The exemplary faculty, staff and students have made this a very special place for me to work.

Teacher education has captured the attention of state and federal policymakers. The South Carolina Department of Education recently formed the Network for Transforming Educator Preparation committee. Comprised of members of the S.C. Oversite Committee, state Senate and House Education Staff, State Board of Education, teachers and administrators, the S.C. Education Association, the S.C. Parent Teacher’s Association, the S.C. Teacher of the Year and staff from the S.C. Department of Education, the committee’s proposed legislation stresses the need for improved teacher preparation. We see increased signs of policy level acknowledgement of the importance of teachers, as well as the need for the improvement of teacher preparation.

Here in School of Education, we are proud of our teacher education programs and our efforts at continuous program improvement to meet the growing need for competent, knowledgeable, inquiring and caring teachers for our state’s and nation’s schools. Our programs are designed to provide an array of learning opportunities for teacher education candidates, preparing them to work effectively with our increasingly diverse student population.

Within the pages of this publication are stories that describe the dynamic, striving and progressive enterprise of the USC Upstate School of Education.

As Interim Dean, I invite you to read and learn more about our faculty, staff, candidates and programs in the School of Education and the positive, collaborative impact we have on the Upstate region.

Dr. Charles Love, Interim Director, School of Education [email protected] • 864-503-5733

school of education news 2 BENCHMARKS

Littlejohn ’08 Named Spartanburg District 7 Teacher of the Year LaTyphani Littlejohn, University of South She incorporates interactive technology in her lessons to help Carolina Upstate alumna and first-grade make connections for her students. She believes it’s her job to give teacher at The Cleveland Academy of her students a purpose for learning and to help them find success. Leadership, has been named the 2016-17 Spartanburg School District 7 Teacher “Teaching is beyond a career for me,” she noted. “Teaching is a of the Year. She was also previously voted major part of my purpose and my life’s work!” Cleveland Academy Teacher of the Year. LaTyphani Littlejohn named Littlejohn received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Spartanburg District 7 Teacher of the Year. With only eight years in the classroom, thus Education from USC Upstate and is currently completing far, Littlejohn’s commitment to improving student achievement an internship for a Master’s degree in Administration and and being a team player has already earned her the respect of Supervision at the America College of Education. colleagues who recognize her willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of her students.

USC Upstate Alumnae Recognized as Teachers of the Year Four School of Education graduates have been recognized as Teachers of the Year in Greenville and Pickens Counties.

Carrie McCaslin was named Teacher of the Year at Woodmont High School in Piedmont. Beth Persons, a second-year teacher also Carrie McCaslin named Beth Persons, left, named Woodmont Melissa Kennedy at Woodmont High School, was recognized as Science Teacher of Woodmont High School High School Science Teacher of the selected Youth Teacher of the Year. Year and Morgan Warner, right, Leadership Academy the Year. named Teacher of the Year at Thomas Teacher of the Year. E. Kerns Elementary School. Third-year teacher Morgan Warner received Teacher of the Year recognition at Thomas E. Kerns Elementary School in Greenville.

Melissa Kennedy was selected Teacher of the Year at the Youth Leadership Academy in Pickens.

3 school of education news BENCHMARKS

USC Upstate Alumnus Selected to Prestigious Education Policy Program Trevor T. Ivey ’06 is one of only 15 professional and civic leaders in the state selected to participate in the South Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program (SC-EPFP) for 2016-2017.

As a SC-EPFP Fellow, Ivey, an adjunct instructor in the School of Education at the University of South Carolina Upstate and assistant principal at Alice Drive Middle School in Sumter, joins other established and emerging leaders in education and related fields in an intensive professional development program designed to help equip them in working Trevor Ivey ’06 has been selected for South Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program. toward sound education policy and practice in South Carolina.

“In this year’s SC-EPFP class we have some of our state’s most talented and dedicated leaders,” said Robert E. Barnett, associate vice president for Workforce, Education and Manufacturing Policy with the S.C. Chamber of Commerce and chair of the SC- EPFP Advisory Board. “Together, they will learn new skills, develop added insight and work collaboratively to make proactive steps to improve South Carolina’s future through meaningful education improvement and reform.”

Over the course of the academic year, Fellows meet monthly for dialogues, exercises and group projects, as well as participate in an in-state Fall Leadership Forum and a Washington Policy Seminar hosted by the Institute for Educational Leadership in the nation’s capital.

One of 17 state programs overseen by the national Education Policy Fellowship Program of the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C., the SC-EPFP is coordinated by the S.C. School Improvement Council, located in the University of South Carolina College Education, with assistance of the S.C. Department of Education’s Office of School Leadership.

school of education news 4 PROGRAMS, PROSPECTS & PATHWAYS

SoE Student-Teachers Attend 2016 Diversity Conference More than 50 School of Education student-teachers encounter in their future classrooms with regards to attended the 2016 Diversity Conference held at income, race, learning styles and disabilities. Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., on October 4. Many of the students shared how these activities This year’s theme was “Advancing the Dialogue changed their perceptions about poverty, increased on Equity and Access: Championing Children of their knowledge about other cultures and inspired Poverty.” Participants had an opportunity to engage in them to show more compassion and understanding SoE student-teachers attended annual Diversity Conference. a simulation activities that provided them with a real- for their students. life overview of the types of diversity they will likely

Students Receive Message on Building Positive Relationships By Dr. Monica Elkins

Dr. Stephen Peters, motivational speaker, author of “Do You Know Enough About Me to Teach Me” and superintendent of Laurens County School District 55, was the guest speaker for Dr. Monica Elkins’ EDSC U444 Managing the Secondary Classroom Environment class in October.

Peters’ message encouraged SoE students to build a positive relationship with their future students at the beginning of a school year in order to inspire and teach them. He shared strategies that would give teachers the tools to increase student academic achievement, build trust in the community and with parents, as well Dr. Stephen Peters encouraged SoE as maintain a school climate that is safe and conducive for learning. students to build positive relationships.

Finding a Correlation Between Fitness and Academic Performance As part of this year’s Preface program, students in “From Sparta to Spartanburg: The Importance of English 101 are required to read, “In Defense of Physical Education in Forming the Mind” which a Liberal Education” by Fareed Zakaria. Faculty focused on the correlation between fitness and members are asked to speak to the class about their academic performance. Concentrating on the work of fields and how their fields relate to the book. John Ratey, J. Grissom (2004), V.R. Chemnitz et al (2009) and D.P. Van Dusen (2011), Kamla was able In October, Dr. Jim Kamla, associate professor of to show the relationship between being physically fit Physical Education-Teacher Education, presented and improved academic performance. Dr. Jim Kamla

5 school of education news PROGRAMS, PROSPECTS & PATHWAYS

Early Childhood Majors Present at State Conference By Dr. Jim Charles

The Senior Early Childhood Education cohort at the Greenville Campus gained valuable professional experience at the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (SCAEYC) conference held October 1, in Columbia, S.C.

Early childhood education teacher candidates from the Greenville Campus made two presentations with Dr. Stacy Burr, assistant professor of Early Childhood Education. Presenting “’School House Rock:’ Moving and Grooving Your Way into Learning!” were Alison Howard, Rena Herring, Kendall Teacher candidates made two presentations at state conference. Richey, Emma Wells, Hannah Rice, Jennifer Slattery and Delmy Salazar. Presenting “Family Frenzy” were Dionna Gemma, Julianne Negovetic, Leigha Hessert, Kelsey Paulsgrove and Andrea Bishop.

SoE Teacher Candidates Attend Environmental Education Workshop By Dr. Jim Charles

Candidates in the pre-student teaching clinical block in each USC Upstate education program offered at the Greenville Campus recently attended a day-long environmental education workshop that emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of science.

Garrison Hall, USC Upstate adjunct instructor of science education, and Sharon Donovan, emeritus teacher of science, presented and demonstrated effective interdisciplinary science activities from Project Wild. Greenville program teacher candidates actively participated in these activities and received materials The interdisciplinary nature of science designed to help them make their future lessons address science concepts more directly. was the focus of environmental workshop for teacher candidates.

South Carolina Teacher of the Year Speaks At Mentoring Event By Dr. Marilyn Izzard

The Mentoring Kickoff event was held September 15 best practices for your professional and personal life. in the Olin B. Sansbury, Jr. Campus Life Center and In addition, she shared that mentoring is an invaluable featured South Carolina Teacher of the Year Jennifer experience that can provide an opportunity to develop Wise as guest speaker. leadership skills and help improve your résumé.

Her presentation, the Power of Mentoring, focused Prior to the program, Wise also spoke to the

The Mentoring Kickoff event on encouraging students to find a mentor, as well as Teaching Fellows. highlighted value of being inspiring them to become mentors. Working with a mentor. mentor, Wise noted, is very important as a mentor has LaTyphani Littlejohn ’08, Teacher of the Year for experienced life as a teacher and can offer insight into Spartanburg School District 7, was also in attendance.

school of education news 6 GREENVILLE CAMPUS NEWS

Teacher Candidates Help Celebrate ‘Observe the Moon Night’ Seniors in the School of Education at the Greenville Campus had an opportunity to share their science teaching skills at Roper Mountain Science Center during a celebration for international “Observe the Moon Night” on October 8.

These SoE teacher candidates shared hands-on moon-related activities with more than 100 Girl Scouts, their parents and counselors. Once Hurricane Matthew’s winds and clouds cleared up, the Moon and three planets could be seen in the night sky.

It was an exciting night for everyone and a wonderful experience for our pre-service educators. SoE senior teacher candidates shared moon-related activities during “Observe the Moon Night” at Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville.

What Is TEACh? By Satchel VanVield, TEACh President

Teachers Educating All Children (TEACh) is a student organization designed for anyone who aspires to work around children.

We meet every third Wednesday of the month from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. to discuss relevant topics in education, engage with experienced guest speakers and plan service activities for schools and classes in our community. Members of TEACh meet each month to learn from each other, as well as experts in education. Our September meeting brought former USC Upstate students and other first- and second-year teachers from our partner school together to answer questions about classroom management, data assessment and day-to-day activities in schools.

The October meeting dealt with controversial issues students face and bring with them into the classroom. A local traveling improvisational theatre troupe, Changing Directions Improve, performed very, real, intense scenarios on controversial topics. They then opened up safe discussion for the audience to react/interact with the characters portrayed in order to create solutions together on these topics.

If you’re interested in gaining valuable experience and knowledge for the future and networking with people who can help you when you begin their careers in education, then consider joining TEACh.

For more information, visit www.uscupstate.edu/academics/education/default.aspx?id=26074 or contact one of this year’s officers: Satchel VanVield, president; Jack Gilbert, vice president; Jessica Wood, secretary; Alexis McAllister, treasurer.

7 school of education news SUMTER CAMPUS NEWS

Semester Begins On a Busy Note for SoE Students in Sumter All of the early childhood education students attended the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children in Columbia in September. They enjoyed the various guest speakers, vendors and opportunities to attend sessions of interest. Some of the students and our director participated in the workshop “Recycle Your Way to Steam” which allowed for collaboratively working together on a project.

Also in September, some SoE students attended the Praxis II workshop at the USC Upstate Greenville Campus in preparation for the exams required for teacher certification.

In October, student teacher candidates attended the 2016 Diversity Conference held at Benedict College in Columbia. During the conference, students worked in groups to address real-life challenges presented to them. Each student was required to write a reflection and share what they learned during the conference. All shared that they now had a deeper understanding Early childhood education students who attended about poverty and survival. In fact, there was consensus that they will be better teachers as a the SCAEYC conference worked on a “Recycle Your Way to Steam” project. result of having participated in the conference.

school of education news 8 SoE IN PICTURES

Field Trip to Children’s Museum Senior Teacher Candidates Go Wild!

“Project Wild,” an environmental science workshop, gave senior teacher candidates Elementary education majors at the Greenville Campus an opportunity enrolled in EDEL-Fine Arts to participate in activity based learning in the Elementary Classroom through role playing as different types of recently embarked on a animals in the food chain to simulate how field trip to the Greenville they survive in nature. Children’s Museum. These students explored the museum’s exhibits that showcased visual arts, drama, music and movement to help them think of ways the arts can be Giving the Gift of Life integrated into core curriculum.

Students and faculty on the Greenville Campus participated in the Blood Finding Fun in Exercise Connection Blood Drive on October 3, 2016, to support the Student Nurses Association.

Women’s Empowerment Leadership Panel Offers Insight

Addressing questions such as, “How do you feel your gender has influenced your leadership journey?” “How important was mentorship in Students in EDPH 235: Dance and your leadership journey?” and “What do you wish you would have known Gymnastics found that it is possible to exercise when you were an undergraduate?” a distinguished panel of USC Upstate and have fun at the same as they participated leaders offered insight from their experiences. Panel members were, from in a Zumba class earlier this semester. left, Dr. Kathleen Brady, Dr. Marilyn Izzard, Dr. Laura Puckett-Boler, Dr. Mary Ann Fitzpatrick and Dr. Katharine Gibb.

Teacher Cadet College Day Is A Hit! Praxis Boot Camps,

Teacher Cadets from Boiling Springs Workshops Well Attended High School joined 149 fellow Cadets from other area high schools for the School of Education’s annual Teacher Cadet College Day.

Prop Boxes Aid Teaching

In September and October, Praxis Core Boot Camps and workshops in math and writing were held for education majors from USC Upstate’s Spartanburg, Greenville and Sumter Campuses and Spartanburg Community College. Dr. Stephen Bismarck and Dr. Sara Hunt-Barron, assistant professors from USC Upstate’s School of Education, Dr. Lienne Medford, associate professor from Clemson University, and Sara Kitts, program director of Teacher Education from SCC, led the workshops.

Some teacher candidates at the Greenville Campus recently presented their book prop boxes which were based on a children’s book and included props to help the story “come to life.” 9 school of education news NEW FACULTY & STAFF

New Faculty, Staff in School of Education The School of Education at the Spartanburg, Greenville and Sumter Campuses welcomed new faculty and staff members this year. They come from diverse backgrounds and will enhance the educational programs for our school and improve the quality of education for our students. Other faculty and staff members transitioned into new roles, as well.

Dr. Ashley Anderson-Murray is an assistant professor in the Elementary and Special Education Departments. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Claflin University, her Master of Arts degree in Learning Disabilities from Furman University and her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. A National Board Certified Teacher, she served more than 10 years as an elementary educator and school administrator before entering higher education academia full time.

Alice Bomar is the new administrative assistant to Dr. Marilyn Izzard, SoE associate dean. She is in charge of Special Projects and works with Dr. Monica Elkins-Johnson in Field Experiences. A retired English teacher and school administrator, she has degrees from Spartanburg Methodist College, Wofford College and Clemson University, as well as a Masters +30 credential from the South Carolina Department of Education.

Jed Dearybury is the new technology adjunct professor. A 15-year veteran of education with 13 years in the early childhood classroom in Spartanburg School District 6, he is the current Director of Professional Development and Communications for the Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA). A top five finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year, he is also the first South Carolina educator to be named a Lowell Milken Fellow.

Dr. Monica Elkins-Johnson is an instructor of education and director of Field Experiences and School Partnerships. She has been an educator in the public school setting for 28 years. Her primary role at USC Upstate is to build positive partnerships with area school districts for the benefit of our student teachers.

Susan Hurren is a new adjunct professor of education. She has a Master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, in Counseling and Educational Psychology and has spent most of her adult life in many different venues of education, counseling, teaching, assisting, translating and volunteering.

Dr. Sarah Joseph is the new assistant director of Fitness. A graduate of Georgia Southern University with a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, she is a NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist, ACSM Personal Trainer, and NSCA Certified Special Populations Specialist. Her goal is to positively influence the greatest number of people in the Upstate community by providing the best fitness programs.

Dr. Rebecca Mueller, assistant professor of social studies education, comes to USC Upstate from the University of Kentucky where she completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Social Studies Education at Transylvania University and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education at Vanderbilt University. She taught secondary social studies for 10 years in Lexington, Kentucky, during which time she earned her National Board Professional Teaching Certification.

Ashley Roberts is a new adjunct professor teaching ENSL 718: Techniques for Teaching English to K-12 Second Language Learners online. She is the literacy coach at Oakland Elementary School in Spartanburg County School District Two and also serves as the school Response to Intervention coordinator. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in literacy and administration, she has been in education for 14 years. She is a national level ASCD Emerging Leader and is also a South Carolina ASCD Emerging Leader. school of education news 10 Dr. Cathy Sparks is an assistant professor in Child Development and Family Studies. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Wofford College, a M.Ed. in Elementary School Counseling and an Ed. S. in Counseling from University of South Carolina, an Ed. S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College, and an Ed. D. from Liberty University in Educational Leadership. She is a licensed professional counselor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a registered play therapist. Dr. Sparks has worked for over 30 years in Spartanburg County Schools as a school counselor, as well as in private practice, specializing in play therapy with young children.

Dr. Teresa White is an adjunct professor and supervisor in the SoE. She has more than 20 years of experience working with children and families serving preschool children with disabilities including speech and developmental delays, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, autism, and other health impairments She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and an M.Ed in Gifted Education from Converse College, as well as certification in Early Childhood Special Education and an Ed.D from Northcentral University in Early Childhood Education.

Garrison Hall is an adjunct instructor in education at the Greenville Campus. He is a Solar System Ambassador and connected with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab in California. He also trained in a NASA experience at Goddard Space Flight Center where he learned about the moon, the Lunar Reconnaissance Mission, and how to share this information with students. He’s participated in Project Lead the Way, which stresses STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

Dr. Veverlyn L. Watson-Smith, is the director of the Teacher Education Program at the Sumter Campus, as well as an assistant professor of elementary and early childhood education. She completed her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Foundations at Illinois State University and received a Master of Arts in Elementary Education (K-8) from Hampton University and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Campbell University. A former South Carolina Teacher Cadet, she has been passionately engaged in K-16 initiatives for more than 22 years.

Christine Dow is the new administrative assistant at the Sumter Campus. She works with the director the Teacher Education Program and serves as the contact for the USC Upstate Teacher Education Program on the USC Sumter Campus.

Carson Blackwelder is now the head track and cross country coach. He oversees the cross country and track teams and supervises assistant coaches and student-athletes.

Amy Fleischmann is a new Instructor in the Elementary Education Department following 11 years as an adjunct and student teacher supervisor where she supervised approximately 150 students and taught 12 different courses, including foundation courses, Elementary and Early Childhood clinicals and a variety of Elementary professional program courses.

Susan Kolb is in her first year of teaching Principles of Coaching, as well as continuing her role as academic advisor for student-athletes. She has an Advanced National Coaching Diploma from the NSCAA and advanced athletic experience as an athlete, both collegiately and professionally. She also coached college soccer for five years.

Kathy Wood is a student teaching supervisor and instructor for Learning Disabilities EDLD 425: Practicum in LD Reading and Language, assisting special education majors as they analyze students’ assessment data, develop lesson plans, and teach reading and writing skills in local schools. She retired from Spartanburg School District 7 after 39 years, most of them as a special education teacher.

11 school of education news MISCELLANEOUS

Celebrating 10 Years of a Successful Partnership The School of Education and the Charles Lea Center are celebrating 10 years of collaboration with a college enrichment program that offers classes on campus for adults with special needs.

Known as the College Enrichment Experience, this program brings participants from the Charles Lea Center to USC Upstate one evening a month during the academic semester where they make a selection from the program’s course listings.

This semester, there are 117 participants registered in classes ranging from reading, math, crafts, computer, technology skills for every day, drama, Zumba, sign language and music. A number of SoE students volunteer with this program and receive clinical/observation hours for their involvement. Faculty members also lend their expertise in teach the various courses. The College Enrichment Program, a partnership between the SoE and the Charles Lea Center, defines true This partnership has enabled adults with disabilities and SoE students to come together and learn. Students community outreach through collaboration. learn about of some of the challenges and celebrations adults with disabilities experience. Adults with disabilities learn more about an area of interest and are able to experience college in a way that is good for them.

This community outreach program continues to demonstrate how these types of educational partnerships truly make a difference.

The Learning Disability (LD) Program Hits the Road

Teacher candidates in the Learning Disability Program are visiting a variety of community settings during the semester.

These location visits allow SoE students to experience first- hand the various types of services available to individuals with disabilities across the age-span and disability spectrum.

Participating in visits this semester are Megan Mills, Dawnee McCoy, Nicki Trips this semester have been made to McCarthy Teszler School Krejci, Genna Ostrower, Endra Stanger, Rachel Ranly, Chelsea Pifer, JoAnna and HALTER, a therapeutic horseback riding program. Jones, Taylor Foster, Jessica Pazyk, Mehnaz Kouser, Landry Hardwick, Mackenzie Carey and Jessica Wood.

school of education news 12 MISCELLANEOUS

SoE and CIS Offer Teaching Opportunities in Germany Students have an opportunity to teach in Stendal, Germany, in Spring 2017 thanks to a collective effort through the School of Education and the Center for International Studies.

The four-week student-teaching program in April and May offers education majors a means of learning German and teaching English; facilitating adaptability and strengthening communication skills across cultures; fostering the ability to problem solve in an international environment; and increasing confidence, personal responsibility and independence.

For more information about this unique opportunity, go to: www.uscupstate.edu/uploadedFiles/academics/Education/Germany-2016-ANNOUNCEMENT.pdf

Youth Development Professionals Needed!

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Upstate is seeking mentors to help inspire and enable young people to realize their full potential by leading afterschool programs in three outcome areas: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles and Character.

This opportunity can provide great work experience for education majors and those interested in a career in non-profit and community work.

Candidates must: • Be passionate about and love working with elementary school-aged children; • Be at least 18 years of age and have their high school diploma; • Be available to work Monday-Friday from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. following host school activities; • Have dependable transportation.

If interested in helping inspire a young person, contact Nikki at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Upstate at [email protected].

13 school of education news Graduate Programs in Education Open House USC Upstate’s Graduate Programs in Education are designed for teachers who wish to pursue graduate courses leading to a master’s degree, recertification, certification in an additional area, and courses for professional development. Our courses are scheduled to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. Come meet our faculty and find out more about Graduate Programs at USC Upstate.

Information will be provided regarding admission requirements, financial aid and program framework. USC Upstate Graduate faculty will provide details and be available to answer specific questions. We hope to see you there!

USC Upstate 800 University Way Spartanburg, SC 29303

Thursday, November 17, 2016 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. (Drop-In) Health Education Complex Room 2004

For further information contact: Alyssa Dickerson Graduate Programs Assistant 864-503-5573  [email protected]

Visit www.uscupstate.edu/graduate/ education to register for this event. school of education news 14 The Value of Partnerships Between SoE and Area School Districts New School of Education Associate Dean Dr. Marilyn Izzard has been working hard to establish and re-establish partnerships with schools in the surrounding school districts.

It is important for USC Upstate to have a positive relationship with the surrounding school districts for placements for Clinical 1 and 2 students and for student teachers. A partnership agreement between a school district and the University can increase employment opportunities for our students when they graduate. Such relationships also help make a difference in the lives of the citizens throughout the community.

Izzard and a team of professors have visited area schools such as Cowpens Middle, Lone Oak Elementary, and Cleveland Leadership Academy, as well as held meetings with Spartanburg Community College and Park Hills Early Learning Center. This has led to a better understanding of curriculum changes that need to be made to better prepare students for the workplace. In addition, these talks have helped identify ways SoE students can serve the schools as they prepare to be teachers.

A Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) focus group met in June during which time associate superintendents, principals and assistant principals learned about the new CAEP guidelines from SoE Assessment Coordinator Dr. Don Stowe. Participants also offered ideas on how USC Upstate and SoE could assist them in their various programs or provide staff development workshops or courses for their teachers. More meetings like this are planned in the future.

In September, Stowe, Dr. Laura Hooks and Dr. Sara Hunt-Barron conducted a Validity Group and Training Session. Fifteen teachers and assistant principals from area school districts joined SoE faculty to review key assessments in preparation for an upcoming accreditation visit. Both teachers and administrators offered feedback on a variety of topics from e-portfolios to dispositions surveys. This feedback is being used to further improve the preparation of SoE students as they prepare for their teaching careers.

15 school of education news CALENDAR

November 17 December 2 Mentoring Leadership Mixer at 5:00 p.m. Last day of classes HEC third floor; faculty invited December 5 November 21 Share Fair Open Registration begins December 5-9 November 23-27 Final Exams Thanksgiving Break December 13 December 1 Convocation to honor December graduates Applications for May graduation due in student’s academic major area

CONTACT US

School of Education 800 University Way Spartanburg, SC 29303

Phone: (864) 503-5560 Fax: (864) 503-5574

www.uscupstate.edu/academics/education/ school of education news 16