Laurens County Celebrates 17 Educators Achieving Master’s Degrees in Education

Celebrating Educators in Laurens County

Good morning, Laurens! The sun is shining brightly on our beautiful city today, with temperatures expected to reach a lovely 85°F. There’s just a hint of a breeze, making it the perfect day to step outside and enjoy the pleasant weather during the mostly sunny spells. But while the weather may have a slight chance of a rain shower tonight, the true excitement in Laurens comes from the celebration of our talented educators!

Recognizing Outstanding Educators

In a heartfelt ceremony, Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) honored 17 amazing educators who recently earned their master’s degree in education focusing on diverse learning from Lander University. This is no small feat, and it truly shows the commitment these teachers have to enriching the lives of their students.

The graduates included the incredible Rochelle Reid-Bispham, who teaches at Laurens District 55 High School and received her degree this past May. Sixteen other educators finished their programs in August, showcasing their hard work and dedication to professional development.

The Graduating Class

Here’s the full list of the graduates:

• Assistant Principal Magon Wilson from EB Morse Elementary School
• Michael Schar, Stephanie Malone, and Sharanda Pilgrim from Ford Elementary School
• Lindsey Dawkins, Tyler DeShields, Vanessa Huerta Flores, Trista Schar, Stefanie Vera, and Jennifer Wilson from Gray Court-Owings School
• Jennifer Wilson from Hickory Tavern School
• Savannah Campbell from Laurens Elementary School
• Aju Alfred, Sarah Rinaudo, Michael Waldrop, and Jonathan White from Laurens Middle School
• Collin Black from Sanders Middle School

Two other passionate educators, Brennan Boroff from Laurens Elementary and Tammy Herring from Hickory Tavern School, are also nearing graduation, set to receive their degrees in December 2024.

Words of Gratitude and Growth

During the celebration, Savannah Campbell expressed her feelings about the program saying, “I decided to join the Lander Cohort because I knew this would help to strengthen my classroom instruction.” Her enthusiasm was evident as she explained how the courses broadened her knowledge in areas like language and cultural awareness, vital for helping diverse learners thrive.

Rochelle Reid-Bispham added her thoughts, stating, “The most important thing I learned was how to evolve from deficit thinking into asset-based thinking.” She reflected on her journey as an educator, which equipped her with a deeper understanding of her teaching strengths and weaknesses. Her words highlight the essence of this program: not just enhancing teaching skills but also fostering a strong connection with students through a celebration of cultural diversity.

A Program Committed to Excellence

LCSD 55 is proud to offer its educators a chance to join the Lander University Master’s Program. This opportunity is part of a robust recruitment and retention strategy to equip our teachers with high-quality education. Bonus: Participants enjoy their classes for free! They simply need to maintain good standing and commit to staying within the district for at least three years after graduation.

As the sun sets and the cool breezes roll in, let’s take a moment to celebrate the hard work and dedication of these educators striving to nurture the future of Laurens. Together, we can appreciate the diversity and richness they bring into our classrooms and community!