PICKENS – “Some of the most caring people in this state are teachers,” said Rick Fisher, director of The Cliffs Foundations, addressing a group of teachers at Clemson’s Youth Learning Institute in mid-July. “So many teachers give their students their hearts and souls; they burnout and they leave the classroom.”
According to S.C. Department of Education statistics, more than 6,800 teachers in South Carolina will not return to schools where they taught last year, and South Carolinians pay the cost – nearly $75 million in taxes and an unstable education system.
The 19 educators Fisher addressed came from across the state to participate in a five-day pilot experience to help shape the future design of the S.C. Teacher Renewal Center, an initiative aimed at helping the state retain its best teachers.
Representing Darlington County was Todd Pletcher, science and math teacher for grades four and five at St. John’s Elementary School. Other teachers came from Beaufort, Chester, Lexington, Richland, Greenville and Sumter Counties.
Pletcher described the seminar as “a unique experience that I am glad I had the opportunity to be a part of and share with other professional educators.”
Over the five-day period, teachers participated in team-based discovery activities, creative inquiry projects, a forensic science experience, a nature walk at Pinnacle Falls and brainstorming sessions about future program themes and designs – all for the purpose of creating a model for the nature-based, health and wellness-focused experiences the future center will offer. Helping teachers stay connected to their passion for teaching and avoiding the burnout that causes so many to leave the profession is a primary goal.
At the end of the five-day program, teachers were asked what part of the entire experience was most relevant for them. Pletcher believes that part of renewal for teachers is making valuable connections. “I came not knowing anyone but left having over 20 friends,” said Pletcher. “The connections I made with others will continue through my personal and professional life.”
On the last day of the seminar, Jim Rex, S.C. superintendent of education, was present to hear reflections from teachers and was the luncheon speaker.
“We’re not connected enough in this profession,” said Rex. “It can’t continue to work the way it does now. I think this [S.C. Teacher Renewal Center] can be a major catalyst for our state.”
For more information, contact Pam Bryant at (803) 553-7705 or pbryant@clemson.edu.
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