When high school students and college students come together to learn about teaching, SC ASCD knows it is preparing future teachers for success. SC ASCD is proud to report that our first Winter Student Conference was a tremendous success. 

Two years ago, we began to brainstorm how the organization could further support our College Chapters with professional development. We also recognized the number of high school students in our state who were enrolled in Teacher Cadet classes who could benefit from a day set aside to honor their dedication to learning about and working with students in their local districts. The result was our first Winter Student Conference held at Spring Valley High School in Columbia on February 27.

The day began with an upbeat keynote from the 2010 SC Teacher of the Year, Brian Coburn. Choice sessions included topics about classroom management, building relationships, differentiating instruction, and engaging students. These sessions were conducted by first and second year teachers who shared their experiences and expertise with these future teachers. Another session brought together two groups of first and second year teachers who were part of panel discussions. For a side benefit for the attendees, Dr. Judy Lehr led a session on starting and growing our college chapters.