Dean Fran Welch recently released her Dean's Update, which included the information below about the institution's Teaching Fellows.

​Our Teaching Fellows at the College of Charleston had a very busy semester!  Engaged in all aspects of college life, the 93 Teaching Fellows are learning much while participating in educational meetings, volunteering for various events, and holding their own fundraisers to benefit others.
 
The Teaching Fellows held a successful midnight bake sale a few weeks ago, and the group raised approximately $550, which will benefit the Morogoro Children’s Fund.
 
The students also volunteered for the YALLFest, which was a huge success.  YALLFest, founded in 2011 by Jonathan Sanchez of Blue Bicycle Books, is a two-day young adult book festival held in Charleston annually on the second weekend of November.
 
Jeff Maxey, 2019 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, spent time with the Teaching Fellows and others on September 26th, and the students enjoyed their time with this very engaging educator.
 
In other notable activities, the Teaching Fellows viewed The Hate U Give movie in October; and many students volunteered with Project Playground at Memminger Elementary, gift-giving with Charleston Hope, and the freshmen Fellows worked with children during the College’s tree-lighting ceremony.  Like many of our teacher education students, a number of Fellows work at the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC).

Each Teaching Fellows Institution in the state has a Campus Director who is responsible for facilitating the program. CERRA holds a minimum of four Campus Director meetings each year.

On Friday, November 30th, the Campus Directors and CERRA Teaching Fellows staff convened at Camp Discovery (Twitter and Instagram - @campdiscoverysc, Facebook - campdiscoverysc) in Blythewood, SC for a day of discussion, growth, and networking. Amy Ellisor, a former Campus Director herself, provided team building exercises, demonstrated inquiry-based science instruction, and discussed specific ways Teaching Fellows can engage with Camp Discovery and gain instructional experience. Dr. Sherell Fuller, Winthrop University's Campus Director, presented on the topic of diversity in the K-12 educational system. The Campus Directors also engaged in collaborative discussions about upcoming activities and senior focus group findings. CERRA appreciates the work these individuals do on a daily basis to ensure Teaching Fellows receive the best possible experience. 

BY DR. TIMOTHY LINTNER

On October 28, a panel of local educators presented tips and strategies to the USC Aiken Teacher Fellows. The title of the discussion was Classroom Management and How to Work with Parents. The panel consisted of Dawn Bryant, 3rd grade Teacher at J.D. Lever Elementary; Josh Snipes, Social Studies Teacher at Aiken High; Patrick Newsome, Vice Principal at Warrenville Elementary and former Aiken County Teacher of the Year; Renae Enlow, Principal at Byrd Elementary; and Emilee Meek, Resource Teacher at Clearwater Elementary and current Aiken County Teacher of the Year. Conversations ranged from how to establish a classroom environment that supports all students; when (and when not) to hit the classroom panic button; setting realistic and achievable expectations; and what to expect as a first-year teacher. The engaging and interactive hour-long discussion gave Aiken’s Fellows a realistic and supportive “glimpse behind the curtain,” into how best to manage, discipline, and positively work with parents. ​

BY KIMBERLY BAGGS
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Charleston Southern University sends its congratulations to Teaching Fellows alumnus, Angelica Chavez, for being named Rookie Teacher of the Year at Eagle Nest Elementary School. We are so proud of you, Angelica!

BY CSU JUNIOR CAMERON HOWARD

This year, the CSU junior Teaching Fellows had the opportunity to take a weekend trip to Asheville, NC! We were able to share meals together without the distraction of schoolwork, hike and spend time reflecting surrounded by beautiful nature, and explore the rich history of the Biltmore House. Friday was jam-packed with fun and laughter, all while exposing ourselves to the beauty of Asheville. It was cool to see things we do not get in Charleston- like mountains and waterfalls! In addition, touring the Biltmore House was an exciting and unique trip many people do not get the chance to take! We are very thankful Teaching Fellows has allowed us the opportunity to go learn and explore in ways beyond the day-to-day of typical college life.
This weekend was such a treat because, despite our hectic schedules, our group was able to step back for a weekend and truly just enjoy time together. We bonded through dinner conversations while eating a home-cooked meal and through playing countless card games. This entire experience was ideal and allowed our group time to grow and learn more about each other. We have all grown so much since freshman year and it was really cool to see that in ways we normally wouldn’t get to, due to separate schedules and responsibilities back home!

Congratulations to Ms. Jasmine Saab, Teaching Fellows alumnus from the College of Charleston, for being named Marrington Elementary School's Rookie of the Year. Jasmine is pictured here dressed for the 100th day of school. Marrington Elementary is located in Goose Creek, SC. 

Student Placements: Teaching Fellows at Coastal get into classrooms early and are excited for the opportunity. Here’s a couple of our Fellow’s thoughts so far!
Lindsey Morgan, pictured below left with Mrs. Amanda Darden, director, states: “Since the start of this program I have had a great time working with the ELS students in our college. Of course, it's just starting out so it still has a few kinks, but from the very first day I had people asking to add me on Facebook and saying hi to me every time they'd see me on campus. The best part about working with these students that are so close to our own age is that speaking with them and doing activities has never felt like work. My favorite part about working with the ELS students is the relationships I have developed with some of them, and I hope to get close to even more students next semester."
Elizabeth Vermont, pictured below right, states: “This semester I spent my time in Mrs. Tracy’s classroom observing her World Geography and Government and Economics class. While I got to see Mrs. Tracy teach at the beginning of the semester, I mainly watched her intern, Chris Shucoski, teach. This is a great experience because I was able to see how being in a welcoming and warm environment influenced the kids while also promoting a mutual feeling of respect between the teacher and student. Most of the days I observed were in the World Geography classes where I was able to watch Mr. Shucoski interact with the students in a way that allows them to learn the material in an interesting fashion. Currently I mainly observe or answer directional questions students may have about their assignment. I look forward to going back next semester for more amazing experiences."