The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education hosted the second annual Centers of Excellence Symposium on May 16 at Columbia College, featuring the work the centers have done. The symposium brought together educational leaders, researchers, and practitioners from both K-12 and higher education communities across the state to foster collaboration and showcase advancements in teacher recruitment and retention; leadership development; and professional development with a focus on rural and underperforming schools and districts.

The South Carolina Centers of Excellence program is a competitive grant program awarded to improve teacher quality and student achievement in South Carolina. The program enables institutions to serve as resource centers in a specific area related to the improvement of teacher education. Centers develop and model state-of-the-art teaching practices, conduct research, disseminate information, and provide training for P-12 and higher education personnel within their specific areas of expertise.

Dr. Lishu Yin, CHE program manager for Educator Quality, Retention, and Recruitment, said the Centers of Excellence have reached several important milestones in the past year. She noted that:

• In 2023 three new centers were funded, increasing the total number from five to seven in the state.
• School district partnerships have also increased from 35 to 43.
• In 2024, for the first time an alternative pathway to educator certification model has been replicated from one institution to another.
• In another first, a collaborative center was created between two institutions to address science of reading preparation for pre-service teachers.

The symposium featured a series of breakout sessions led by representatives from the different centers, each focusing on different aspects of educational excellence. These sessions included:

• Reading and Literacy Instruction, led by Dr. Sarah Hunt-Barron and Dr. Dawn Hawkins from Lander University, alongside Dr. Patricia Jones and Dr. Tammy Graham from Presbyterian College.
• Teacher Retention and Induction in the Pee Dee, presented by Dr. Kimberly McCuiston and Dr. Lindsay Simmons from Francis Marion University.
• Leadership in Education, featuring Dr. Hans Klar, Dr. Noelle Paufler, Dr. Angela Carter, and participants from Clemson University.
• Mathematical Literacy, presented by Dr. Britnie Kane from The Citadel.
• Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification and Replication, presented by Dr. Marla Sanders, Columbia College, and Dr. Lisa Stockdale, Coker University.
• Preparing Teachers of Children of Poverty, presented by Dr. Tammy Pawloski, Francis Marion University.

“I enjoy the opportunity to network and talk with the different center directors to learn more about what they're doing, and find ways to collaborate across the state, said Dr. Jamia Richmond, Dean and Professor of Special Education at Coastal Carolina University.

A notable feature of the symposium was the poster session, which provided attendees with an opportunity to network and further discuss various educational projects and initiatives.

In the afternoon, Dr. Karen Woodfaulk, CHE Director of Student Affairs, led a special topic session to provide updates about new legislation which will expand the STEM enhancements of Palmetto Fellows and LIFE scholarships to include education majors. She discussed the timeline to develop the emergency regulations supporting the changes, and also solicited feedback and took questions from the attendees.   

Dr. Judy Beck, Chair of the South Carolina Education Deans Alliance, also moderated a panel discussion on successes and challenges in education.

This event has become an important platform for educators, administrators, and policymakers around the state to come together, share best practices, and discuss the future of education in South Carolina. It underscores the commitment of the Centers of Excellence to enhance educational outcomes through innovative teaching, leadership, and community engagement.

“You all are central and integral, and building an infrastructure of people who can do the work of supporting the most vulnerable in our state. That's important,” said Dr. Jenny May of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee during her closing remarks.