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The Office of Communications collects and shares news about student, faculty, staff, alumni and college achievement and impact. Please let us know about your successes!

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 American'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."

Heart of a Teacher

As a student teacher at Meadowfield Elementary School, Melissa Klopfer (B.Ed., '80) incurred more expenses than the usual tuition, housing, books and supplies. Now, with the establishment of the Melissa L. Klopfer Endowed Scholarship this year, she hopes no student teacher will ever experience the same struggles she did.

2024 SCASA Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year Meg Huggins shares message of empowerment

"Growing up I thought everyone was a teacher," Huggins says. "I don't think I realized there were other jobs. In college, I recognized the power of connecting with the community and students and reignited my passion for education."

"I have never given up"

Poverty can play tricks with your mind. That's something Ranina Outing, regional liaison with the Carolina Family Engagement Center (a federal grant project within the University of South Carolina College of Education) knows too well. And it's one reason she's been successful helping families get the assistance and education they need, not just to survive but to succeed.

Math class helps student discover their own hidden figures of history

The daughter of two educators, Claire Henke has always had a passion for learning. A recent project in her math history class introduced her to mathematical superhero, Gladys West. West is a pioneer in the development of the global positioning system (GPS) and is still sharing her love of math with students eager to listen.

Meir Muller shares tips for communicating with children during times of turmoil

As an expert in early childhood education, ordained Rabbi and co-founder of the Cutler Jewish Day School, Meir Muller offers expertise on how to best communicate with your child, providing stability and safety.

Shine Through Your Story

Jennifer Heebink's story from student to educator exemplifies her personal motto to "shine through your story." Her journey to adapted physical education began with a difficult college experience.

College of Education and SC Council on the Holocaust partner with a purpose

When Professor Jeff Eargle began his career teaching English in Poland, he had no idea years later, he would help bring South Carolina educators there to study the art of teaching the complexity of the Holocaust.

Everyone Belongs

There's seemingly no end to the stories Laurann Gallitto Patel can tell about working with immigrant and refugee families. Some are heartwarming. Others are heartbreaking. All have been helpful in her nearly eight years of helping them adjust to life in America through its public schools.

The online Ed.D. gives students solutions to turn problems into opportunities: STEM Education

Dawn Pilotti says that her dissertation mentor, Professor Harbour, has helped her create a comprehensive, yet focused, project that specifically applies to influencing local changes at her school through professional learning communities.

The online Ed.D. gives students solutions to turn problems into opportunities: Education Systems Improvement

Angela Rush has worked in a variety of positions throughout her career as an educator. She's been in the classroom, assisted teachers as an instructional coach and directed district curriculum and professional development but is currently working as the director of translation and interpretation services for a large school district. Despite multiple degrees and working across district specializations, she had always wanted to pursue a doctoral degree.

The online Ed.D. gives students solutions to turn problems into opportunities: Curriculum Studies

Teresa Cronell has been a nursing educator for more than a decade and a registered nurse for 32 years. When she began looking for an advanced degree program, she, like others, was torn between choosing a Ph.D. or Ed.D

The online Ed.D. gives students solutions to turn problems into opportunities. Learning Design and Technology: Rachael Santopietro

"I was making decisions during the first summer of the pandemic," Santopietro says. "The ability to complete the program in four years and completely online was very attractive to me. It gave me the opportunity to spend my time efficiently while still being present at work and with my family."

Remembering Diane Monrad, Ph.D.

The College of Education is celebrating the life of Diane Monrad, Ph.D. and her more than 30-year commitment as a dedicated faculty member.

 

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