The SCEA Movement

Join College of Charleston's Will McCorkle as he shares his thoughts on advocating for public education.

Join this discussion with the NEA Director for South Carolina, Bernadette Hampton. She discusses the importance of teacher advocacy and leadership.

www.jointhescea.org
www.cewl.us
www.nea.org

Deion Jamison is a 9th and 10th grade English Language Arts teacher at Legacy Early College in Greenville, SC, and the district teacher of the year for the South Carolina Public Charter School District. He earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Clemson University in 2017 and a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University in 2021. Jamison became interested in teaching as a child, but the career was solidified after recognizing the disparities in education in South Carolina between districts. As a Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar and product of Orangeburg County Schools, he ascribes to the proverb “to whom much is given, much is required,” further influencing his decision to teach. Jamison believes that education is liberation and teaches his students skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving to address the world’s most pressing issues. Jamison’s work has been recognized nationally through the National Council of Teachers of English and Teach for America as an Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Award recipient and the recipient of the Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teacher Leadership Award. Aside from accolades, Jamison is most proud of creating brave, inclusive spaces for culturally and linguistically diverse students to thrive, and sharing those practices with colleagues within his school, the state, and nation t promote equity in education.

Megan Coon is from Lexington, SC originally and is a Senior at College of Charleston graduating in May with a degree in Early Childhood education. She serves as student president for the SCEA. She is a Teaching Fellow at CofC and Teacher Leader at the College. She is currently completing her student teaching through the Urban School Synergy Program at Memminger Elementary in the first grade and loving every minute of it! After graduation she will begin her teaching career back home in the midlands.

Join Dr. Anthony James, Mr. Khaleel Barker El-Amin, Alexis Jimenez, Brenten Weeks, Albert Jones and Todd Scholl as they discuss the Call Me Mister Program. Learn more about the program at https://www.clemson.edu/education/programs/programs/call-me-mister.html.

Dr. Tia Jones began her educational career as an instructional assistant in Richland School District Two, where she also taught kindergarten and second grade. During that time, her passion for education grew each day she spent teaching her class. Her efforts were highly noticed, as she was selected as the 2006-2007 Teacher of the Year and soon became a National Board-Certified Teacher.  Dr. Jones has now devoted 23 years to education, and she’s not done, yet. Dr. Jones not only motivates her students to strive for success, but she motivates herself to further her own education. Dr. Jones holds multiple degrees in the field of education, one of which is a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership.

Eight years ago, Dr. Jones began her journey as an assistant principal at Catawba Trail Elementary School.  With a strong passion for growth of the education profession and efforts to support induction teachers, she designed and implemented monthly Teacher Success Sessions for new teachers and their mentors. She is a Clinical Adjunct with the University of South Carolina’s Professional Development School Network.  Dr. Jones serves on the district’s mentoring steering committee and has established the TRAILMATES Community Mentoring program to increase student achievement at her school.  As the Department of Defense grant liaison for Catawba Trail, she continues to be an advocate for military families. Not only is Dr. Jones a teacher and instructional leader, she is a philanthropist, a generational change agent, and a trailblazer for future leaders in education.

Dena Renee Crews is a Literacy Coach in Florence, South Carolina. She also serves as the Vice-President of The South Carolina Education Association. She has been in the field of education for over 20 years having taught second through fifth grades and worked as a Curriculum Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Francis Marion University and Master’s Degrees in Literacy and Administration from Walden University. She is married to Russell Crews a former physical education teacher and is the proud aunt of three nephews and one niece. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and the National Council of Negro Women.

Jed Dearybury began his education career in 2001. During his 13 year early childhood classroom tenure, Jed received numerous awards. He was featured in GQ Magazine as Male Leader of the Year, met President Obama as the SC winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, and was named as a top 5 finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year because of his passion, love, and success in education. Since 2015, he has become an educational leader by providing quality, hands-on, engaging learning experiences for students and teachers across the country. In 2020, he published his first book, The Playful Classroom. In 2021, he published The Courageous Classroom.

Learn more about Jed at https://www.mrdearybury.com/.

This episode features an interview with Amanda Santamaria. She is the Director of Nursing for Dorchester School District 2 in Summerville, South Carolina. She is a board certified registered nurse with a graduate level certification in School Nursing. She has a background in emergency medicine, telemetry nursing, and worked as an elementary school nurse before transitioning to her current role. She also currently serves as President of the South Carolina Association of School Nurses.

Sherry East, President of The South Carolina Education Association was elected and assumed office in 2018. Sherry East is a high school Science Teacher. She began her teaching career at South Aiken High School and later moved to Rock Hill where she taught at Rock Hill High School. Ms. East’s leadership roles have included Association Representative, York County Education Association (YCEA) Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President, President, and member of The SCEA Executive Board. Ms. East graduated with a BS in education from Concord University in Athens, WV. She has also earned a Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University and has completed an additional 30+ graduate credits from Clemson University.

On this episode, she talks about the historical impact unions have had on our country and how The SCEA and NEA are fighting for you today.

Todd Jaeck is the executive director of The South Carolina Education Association. On this episode, he discusses his vision for The SCEA. Hosts Colleen O'Connell, Albert Jones, and Todd Scholl discuss how The SCEA is fighting for the schools teachers and students deserve.