Background

Jess McCartha joined the College of Education as a Clinical Placement Coordinator after a decade in secondary education and student services. Jess began her career in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five teaching English, and then moved on to Newberry County School District to teach English, drama, and journalism. From there, Jess pivoted to student services with the University of South Carolina’s Department of English Language and Literature, where she served as advisor and administrator for the Undergraduate English Program. 

While working with Undergraduate English, Jess advised and mentored the secondary education concentration students in the the Fifth-Year Master of Teaching program.  She received multiple advisor commendations, including an Advisor Spotlight and a nomination for the Ada B. Thomas Outstanding Advisor Award.  

Jess holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature as well as a Master of Teaching in Secondary Education, both from the University of South Carolina. She is committed to upholding student-centered leadership and life-long learning within the College of Education.