New Faculty Spotlight: Cassandra Bosier

After 25 years as a teacher, instructional coach, mentor and principal in Richland School District 2, Cassandra Bosier found herself at the “end of the pathway” for teacher candidates working to earn their undergraduate degrees in education. This fall, she began her first semester as a clinical associate professor in the College of Education teaching undergraduate students preparing to be elementary school teachers.

P.E. educator takes students to new heights

Susan Heid has supported students through physical education for 29 years. You might expect that she's thinking more about retirement than classroom innovations -- but you would be wrong. With the support of her administration, Heid has installed the district's only adaptive climbing wall in Beaufort Elementary School's gymnasium.

Gift of Wardlaw Papers to South Caroliniana Library Offers Unique Perspective on University History

The University Archives at the South Caroliniana Library has recently acquired a treasure trove of materials once belonging to Patterson Wardlaw, the first dean of education.

USC awarded federal grant to boost state's college, career readiness

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University of South Carolina a $35 million grant to improve college and career readiness among disadvantaged students in South Carolina with the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). It is the largest grant ever awarded to the College of Education ­­­and among the largest in university history.

Enabling education: Tjuan Dogan

Tjuan Dogan has a simple request for the endowed scholarship she has funded at the College of Education -- invest in the next generation of educators, like the ones who helped her find her own path and passion.

Alumna, Tracie Swilley, is named National Principal of the Year

Swilley began her career at Richland Northeast High School as a math educator. She had wonderful administrators act as mentors, and Swilley was able to use her data analytics skills to serve her administration. One of her assistant principals encouraged her to continue her education, so she enrolled in the Master's of Education Administration at the University of South Carolina.

Math education comes full-circle for doctoral candidate Kathryn Pedings-Behling

Kathryn Pedings-Behling grew up in the small town of Saint Matthews, S.C. In middle school, she developed a fondness for solving mathematics and logic puzzles -- so much so, that she even stole her older brother's SAT prep workbook for fun!

A mental health lifeline

Project PRISMS trains counseling professionals for high-needs South Carolina schools.

Sean Yee Receives NSF Grant

Congratulations to Sean Yee, Ph.D. for receiving a prestigious NSF grant for his project, "Supporting the Faculty who Provide Teaching-Focused Professional Development to the Next Generation of College Mathematics Instructors." The grant will allow Yee and his team to create new programs that help graduate students and other new instructors become better teachers, which will benefit college students across the country.

SC TEACHER publishes their first report capturing data on principals and assistant principals across South Carolina in the 2022-23 Administrator Workforce Profile

The latest publication from SC TEACHER explores the demographics of administrators in the state, alongside trend data and national comparisons. The report follows a similar format to other workforce reports published by the research consortium, including the Teacher Workforce Profile in South Carolina for 2021-22.

Making a difference in South Carolina: Health and Science Day at Fairfield Middle School

Students at Fairfield Middle School kicked off their 2024-2025 school year with a special health and science event presented by the Institute for Rural Education and Development and the Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research.

New Teacher Village offers connection for first-year educator

Juan Alvarado's non-negotiable career goal included making an impact. He began exploring options in high school and was inspired by his parents' story. His family immigrated from Mexico, and his mom did not have an opportunity to complete school. "My mom was the first person I thought of," says Alvarado. "She always told me to take full advantage of my education. Even though she did not get to finish school, she played a big role and inspired me to choose elementary education."

2024 Witten Lecture celebrates the 150th anniversary of the S.C. Normal School

The College of Education is excited to welcome Alexandria Russell, Ph.D. for the 2024 Witten Lecture: Sesquicentennial Celebration of the South Carolina State Normal School.

Duke Foundation funds "The Walking Classroom"

Professors Ali Brian, Ph.D.; Sally Miedema, Ph.D.; and Andrea Taliaferro, Ph.D. in the College of Education have received a $400,000 grant from the Duke Foundation to develop "The Walking Classroom."

CarolinaCAP fulfills an educator's dream

Brittany Caniglia always knew that leading a classroom was the career for her. In high school, she was a teacher cadet and continued that path through college. During college, her husband's military job forced a move and Caniglia was forced to make a difficult decision: stay separated for the remainder of her college career or make the move herself. Caniglia found an online program to finish her degree and made the choice to put family first.

CarolinaCAP opened a door to elementary education

When the pandemic began, Brad Washington learned about a new program called the Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (CarolinaCAP). This program assists professionals in career changes that lead to educator certification. "It was like the gates of heaven opened for me," says Washington. "Elementary Education was not typically provided in other certification pathways. I immediately applied."

Q&A with Coaching Academy founders Chris Burkett, Ed.D. and Shelly Curcio Ph.D.

Anna Francis sits down with the founders of the College of Education's Coaching Academy and discusses the program's inception, methods and plans for the future.

The Coaching Academy brought professional growth for Erin Roberts

Since Erin Roberts was a child, she knew that she wanted to be an educator. She studied in the inaugural cohort for the bachelor's in early childhood education in the College of Education. She is currently teaching in the school district where she completed her student internship. She knew she wanted to be a coaching teacher to give back to the students and the college that helped build her career.

In Memoriam: Harvey A. Allen, Ph.D.

Harvey Allen, Ph.D. began working in the College of Education in 1969 as a professor. His career in the college spanned for more than 30 years, and he went on to become Department Chair, Associate Dean and Interim Dean. His colleagues share that his service was highlighted by a willingness to listen, always opening his door to others and genuine friendship.

J.R. Green receives 2024 SC Association of School Administrators Lifetime Achievement Award

Green has partnered with the College of Education and University of South Carolina on many initiatives including the recently developed The Village in Winnsboro, the first community exclusively for educators and school district employees in the state.

After hosting inaugural SC District Showcase in June 2024, SC TEACHER releases recap of presentations, resources, and takeaways from the event.

Through events like this, SC TEACHER helps school districts, education organizations, and state leaders work to better understand SC-specific data and its impact.

The Coaching Academy provides a safe space for educators

Laurie D'Amico did not plan to become an educator. She began her career in the automotive industry and enjoyed the puzzle of repairing cars. A larger puzzle surfaced when her daughter began struggling during middle school. D'Amico was determined to figure out the best way to assist her child and decided to return to school to pursue a degree in education.

Study highlights importance of micro-credentials in educators' continuing education

The College of Education's mCrED team has developed a large platform of micro-credential courses to assist in advancing educator development in an easy-to-pursue format.

COE launches bachelor's degree in Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling

"I believe in the power of sports and performance to enrich people's lives," says Hodges. "As a former athlete, I'm acutely aware of the mental challenges people face in pursuing physical excellence. I'm proud that our college is committed to educating future professionals that will prepare performers to thrive and become champions in their own endeavors."

SC TEACHER releases top 10 data findings across the past year of educator pipeline research, showing stable teacher retention rates and more.

Each month, SC TEACHER releases a new report on one of their key focus areas. This month, as FY24 comes to a close, they've compiled an illustrative guide to the top 10 takeaways that stood out across the last year of research on teacher retention, working conditions, and more.

Stephen Thompson chosen as inaugural faculty director for First-Generation Center Living and Learning Community

Stephen Thompson has worked in teacher education in the College of Education for the past two decades. As the first in his family to graduate college, he is deeply familiar with the needs of the student population he will serve.

Veteran educator finds support in College of Education Coaching Academy

One would assume a veteran educator of 23 years would know all the tricks in the book. Dottie Adams shares that the Coaching Academy offered more than one new technique to engage with fellow colleagues, interact with teaching interns and practice problem solving in her school.

Art educator experiences global education with Fulbright Scholars program

Karen Kelly is no stranger to global travel. She's taught in Haiti and traveled to China, the Middle East and throughout Europe. When her school district sent out an announcement about the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program, she knew it would be a great opportunity for her to learn more about education from a global perspective.

Stephen Thompson chosen as inaugural faculty director for First-Generation Center Living and Learning Community

Stephen Thompson began in his role as First-Generation Living and Learning Community faculty director in May. As the first in his family to graduate college, he is deeply familiar with the needs of the student population he will serve.

Coaching Academy positions educator for next career step

LaKeyseah Brennan is driven by a mission to help others. After graduating with an English degree, she planned to start a nonprofit to prepare incarcerated individuals for future employment. A former colleague suggested she might be well-suited to a career in education -- where she could guide students toward their goals instead of beginning negative cycles.

For Alison Schriro, the College of Education has 'been there every step' of her teaching career

As a member of the inaugural class of the Carolina Teacher Induction Program (CarolinaTIP), Alison Schriro gained three years of personalized coaching and joined a community of fellow novice educators. With six years of teaching under her belt, she's now joining another innovative cohort in the college - the first class of the Coaching Academy.

Former player builds life skills on and off the court

Markeshia Grant knew as a child that she felt ordained to be a part of something bigger than herself -- she might not have known that she would eventually help others do the same.

Passion for advocacy inspires this Principal of the Year

Sabina Mosso-Taylor (2013, Ph.D., early childhood education) grew up with a love for dance and a passion for helping others. While she dreamed of being a dance therapist, she began her career in public health and danced to fuel her passion. Ultimately, her greater love of working with students with special needs led her to return to school to become an educator.

Middle school-specific takeaways stand out across research, leading to SC TEACHER's latest report

As data findings particular to middle schools have continued to emerge across SC TEACHER's educator pipeline research, their latest release pulls together those takeaways to help state education leaders better understand middle school teacher experiences.

Learning with the Math Scholars

Dawn Pilotti, a long-time mathematics teacher and an online doctoral student in USC's College of Education, uses tools to make mathematics "more real" to her students. And with an assist from her doctoral advisor, USC associate professor Kristin Harbour, her students now count mathematics among their favorite subjects.

SC Teacher of the Year has clear path to advanced education at USC

Braden Wilson was named the South Carolina Teacher of the Year at the "Gala in the Garden" on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion. In addition to $25,000 and use of a new BMW, she will receive a more enduring prize: a no-cost graduate degree from the USC College of Education.

Harold C. Johnson Elementary School Improvement Council named winner of 2024 Riley Award for SIC Excellence

The School Improvement Council (SIC) of Harold C. Johnson Elementary School in York School District 1 has been named the recipient of the 2024 Dick and Tunky Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence.

SC TEACHER releases first how-to guide in a new support series for district and school administrators

Senior Erial Cooper is named Teacher Candidate to Watch by South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education

Erial Cooper is no stranger to the classroom. Her parents, Eric and Victoria Cooper, are both educators. She grew up observing her parents lead classrooms -- her mom now serves as a principal at Darlington Middle School, and her father is a curriculum coordinator at Lamar High School. While it is no surprise that Cooper was named "Teacher Candidate to Watch" by the South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education, she is still in disbelief.

USC College of Education on the rise among America's Best Graduate Education Schools

The University of South Carolina College of Education has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as an outstanding provider of graduate education in the nation. Over the past two years, the college has risen 58 spots in the rankings, landing at No. 29 for 2024-2025. This achievement puts the College of Education in the top 6 percent of colleges of education with graduate programs nationally.

Power:Ed funding expands CarolinaTIP programming to Pee Dee

The Carolina Teacher Induction Program (CarolinaTIP) has earned a $300,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy arm of the SC Student Loan Corporation, to expand programming to South Carolina's Pee Dee region. This expansion will provide the opportunity for comprehensive induction and retention support districts with some of the highest teacher attrition in South Carolina.

Meet the 2024 Champions of Education

The College of Education honored outstanding educators and education partners at the 2024 "Champions of Education" Gala.

Professor Mitchell Yell receives commendation from the United States Department of Justice

Yell served as an expert witness for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on two anti-discrimination cases. These cases investigated if school districts discriminated against students with disabilities in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA

Shaping Tomorrow

Gracie Vess' eyes light up at the mere mention of history. But the South Carolina Honors College senior and McNair scholarship recipient doesn't dream of chronicling the past; she wants to shape the future by becoming a high school history teacher.

2024 Greener lecture brings Barbara Phillips and Nikky Finney to Allen University

Richard T. Greener (1844-1922) was the first African American man to serve on the faculty at the University of South Carolina. The Greener Lecture series continues his legacy of teaching by focusing on topics related to his life as an educator, philosopher, librarian, lawyer and diplomat. The 2024 Richard T. Greener lecture is co-sponsored by the History Center at USC's College of Arts and Sciences, Allen University and USC's College of Education.

Adapted Physical Education alum named Teacher of the Year in New Jersey

Bayley Hickey went to college with dreams of working as a coach but learned a love of teaching and pushing students towards success that changed his trajectory.

CarolinaCAP: Experienced Educators Plant Seeds of Hope

Alumna Ernestine Young shares her experiences as a CarolinaCAP Coach.

Kirsten Kennedy is recognized nationally for her work in the classroom

Kirsten Kennedy received the 2024 Faculty Outstanding Contributions by a Scholar-Practitioner Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). While she currently serves as the associate vice president for the residential experience, she has spent the last eight years as an affiliate faculty member teaching "Student Affairs in Higher Education."

Champions of Education Gala brings college connections to light

Two people with legacies of education meet at the Champions of Education Gala.

Physical education doctoral student receives national scholarship

"I was humbled to learn that I received this award," Ertel says. "I'll be recognized at the upcoming convention, but I'll be presenting as well. I'm presenting a poster with my advisor, Ali Brian, on parental barriers and facilitators to childhood physical activity. Professor Brian has been instrumental in my process here at USC."