Innovation: A top priority in The Zucker Family School of Education

November 21, 2022November 21, 2022 Education Featured

Educational Leadership and innovation forum

The Zucker Family School of Education honored four community leaders for their excellence in educational innovation at its annual Educational Leadership and Innovation forum.

Outstanding Contribution to Education in the Lowcountry was awarded to N’Kia J. Campbell, Ph.D., for her positive contributions to public education. Henry Darby was recognized as the Zucker Family School of Education’s Outstanding Alumnus. Darby earned two degrees from The Citadel Graduate College, a Master’s of Education degree in 2007 and an education specialist degree in 2010. The Outstanding STEM Educator award was presented to Stacie Elwood, a Career and Technical Education teacher utilizing innovation teaching methods with her students. The last award was for Outstanding Contribution to Educational Policy, given to Rep. Sylleste H. Davis, who serves the citizens of South Carolina House District 100 in Berkeley County. Davis has taken major actions to advance policy, legislation and governmental rules that positively impact the quality of education for students and educators in the state.

Evan Ortlieb, Ph.D., dean for the Zucker Family School of Education said, “We strive to recognize and celebrate educational excellence throughout the Lowcountry. These educators are servant leaders who stop at nothing to support their communities.”

The forum included keynote speaker Deion Jamison who received the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award. His speech focused on his personal journey and prompted audience members to reflect on why they chose this profession.

Deion Jamison, who received the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award, speaking at the Educational Leadership and Innovation Forum on Oct. 28.

“I didn’t realize how much I needed to be reminded of why I got into teaching until I heard Mr. Jamison’s talk,” said Alethea Setser, Charleston County teacher and current Citadel student pursuing a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership. “I left there feeling energized, with a renewed hope that we can truly make a difference for our students.”

Superintendent panelists included Vallerie Cave, Frank Rodriguez, Don Kennedy, Keith Price and Shane Robbins who each spoke about relational leadership in their respective school districts. Rodriguez spoke about his efforts to increase teacher pay in Beaufort County, which has been a success.

This event was made possible through a generous donation from Anita Zucker to highlight educational leadership and innovation.