Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) is recently celebrated 17 of its educators who earned a master’s degree in education on diverse learning from Lander University.
One of the graduates, Rochelle Reid-Bispham, an educator at Laurens District 55 High School graduated in May 2024. Sixteen of the educators graduated in August 2024.
These educators are 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 educators, Brennan Boroff from Laurens Elementary School and Tammy Herring from Hickory Tavern School, will graduate in December 2024. Lander University will hold a graduation ceremony for the August 2024 graduates on December 12, 2024.
“I decided to join the Lander Cohort because I knew this would help to strengthen my classroom instruction,” said Savannah Campbell. “Through the courses offered, I increased my knowledge of language, cultural awareness, and instructional strategies to help diverse learners in my classroom. I will use all the information I gained throughout this program and apply it to my classroom instruction regularly. I am very thankful to have been a part of this cohort.”
“The most important thing I learned was how to evolve from deficit thinking into asset-based thinking,” said Rochelle Reid-Bispham. “I learned more about myself as an educator and became more aware of my strengths and weaknesses. My ability to connect with learners was also reinforced. My participation in the program has grown me as an educator and person by equipping me with new perspectives and a greater appreciation for celebrating cultural diversity; especially concerning how it can affect communication, conflict resolution, and team building. I now feel equipped to provide all students with equitable learning experiences.”
Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) offers its educators opportunities to participate in the Lander University Master’s Program as part of the district recruitment and retention program. Educators who participate get their education for free with the expectation that they pass all the classes and remain in LCSD 55 for at least three years after graduation.