Breakout Sessions
All of you will attend each of the three breakout sessions we have scheduled. Please note your group color (based on the bracelet you were given) and follow the schedule below.
Descriptions of each session and biographical information on the presenters can be accessed below.
Descriptions of each session and biographical information on the presenters can be accessed below.
Green Group Schedule
10:05 AM - 11:00 AM: Carolina A 11:00 AM - 11:55 AM: Carolina B 1:05 PM - 2:00 PM: Carolina C |
Purple Group Schedule
10:05 AM - 11:00 AM: Carolina B 11:00 AM - 11:55 AM: Carolina C 1:05 PM - 2:00 PM: Carolina A |
Blue Group Schedule
10:05 AM - 11:00 AM: Carolina C 11:00 AM - 11:55 AM: Carolina A 1:05 PM - 2:00 PM: Carolina B |
Carolina A: Transformative Leaders
Presenter Sarah Schumacher Gams is the Student Learning and Development Program Manager for the South Carolina Department of Education. In her current role, Sarah promotes positive classroom environments, personalized learning, and educator wellness. An award-winning educator, she taught middle and high school English for 17 years. Sarah served as the 2021 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, traveling the state as an ambassador and advocate for public education. She is currently in her 21st year in education. |
Session Description
Teacher Leaders will participate in a Transformation Table, a method designed by the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation and highlighted in Change Your World by John Maxwell and Rob Hoskins. Transformation Tables help us build strong professional relationships, cultivating gold star moments of collaboration and innovation.
Teacher Leaders will participate in a Transformation Table, a method designed by the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation and highlighted in Change Your World by John Maxwell and Rob Hoskins. Transformation Tables help us build strong professional relationships, cultivating gold star moments of collaboration and innovation.
Carolina B: Compass Points
Presenter
Dani Stroud, MAT Dani earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the College of Charleston and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Chemistry from UofSC Columbia. Dani has over15 years of classroom teaching experience and was recognized as one of the 2022 SC Honor Roll Teachers. She maintains National Board Certification in Adolescent/Young Adult Science with an emphasis in Chemistry. Before coming to CERRA, she also served as a science department chair, Mentor Teacher, SC Teaching Standards 4.0 Evaluator, and American Board Experience Evaluator. While in the classroom, Dani hosted Teacher Cadets during their practicum experience and a Teaching Fellow for student teaching. Dani is the Service Program Facilitator for CERRA, supporting the SC Induction and Mentoring Programs, the National Board Certification process, and the network of SC Teacher Forums. |
Session Description
We are all aware of the numerous individual personality tests that are out there, but did you know there is a simple way for us to understand both our personal work styles and the work preferences of our colleagues? In this session, you will learn how your agency is influenced by your "direction"!
We are all aware of the numerous individual personality tests that are out there, but did you know there is a simple way for us to understand both our personal work styles and the work preferences of our colleagues? In this session, you will learn how your agency is influenced by your "direction"!
Carolina C: Introduction to Our Book Studies
Presenters
Amanda DeMeio Amanda (Mandy) DeMeio, Literacy Coach at Riverview Elementary, believes, "Reading is Dreaming with Our Eyes Open." For the last eighteen years, it has been her dream to encourage both educators and students to fall in love with reading. Growing up in a small town in the Appalachian region, surrounded by poverty and poor education, reading gave her the chance to dream outside her world, motivating her to strive for more. Mandy’s desire to become a teacher was influenced by her mother's teaching career, her passion for reading, and her commitment to education. The dreams she had became a reality when her love of reading opened her eyes to a bigger world. After obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, she began her teaching journey in 2003. The direction of her professional career changed after she earned a Master's Degree in Teacher Leadership at National University and became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2010. Her new role involves teaching both students and teachers. Her day-to-day work includes mentoring and coaching teachers, modeling lessons, and engaging in collaborative learning with students. As a PLC Vertical Team Leader and District Professional Development Facilitator, Mandy’s work has enhanced teachers' capacity to support and differentiate student learning. She received the STAR Renaissance Distinguished Educator Award for her use of data analysis to maximize student growth. As part of her commitment to the Fort Mill School District, Mrs. DeMeio will continue to encourage teachers and students to dream big and discover their true passions. As for her, she found her passion: teaching. Anne Reamer .Anne Reamer is a National Board Certified business educator at the Lexington Two Innovation Center in Cayce, home to college- and career-focused programs for high school students. Anne has 22 years of experience in education, primarily in business, technology, and multimedia, with a keen interest in leveraging storytelling and technology as a means of connecting people in today’s increasingly global society. Anne’s passion for learning is influenced by her mother-in-law, an educator for more than 40 years. Anne earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in business and education from the University of South Carolina and a master of education degree in divergent learning from Columbia College. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational practice and innovation. Anne is the lead teacher in the Media Arts Department, where her 10th- through 12th-grade students study animation, multimedia, backpack media, graphics, videography, and photography – all components of communication and information-sharing. Anne believes in hands-on experiences, teaching concepts first in the classroom to students and then joining them in the field to produce district news programs, photograph athletic events, live-stream board meetings, and more. Anne’s goal for becoming a teacher was to give back to the community and change the lives of students. While she has become known in education circles for her innovation in a fast-changing world, her most important contribution to education has been the steady building of relationships through the years, one student and colleague at a time. Amsavalli Velayuthan Mrs. Amsavalli Velayuthan is the 2022-23 Jasper County School District Teacher of the Year, where she currently teaches 9-12 grade English and Dual Enrollment courses to the rural and poverty-stricken students of Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence. Mrs. Velayuthan possesses a Bachelor of Education from Madras University and Masters in English from Annamalai University. She also holds endorsements in AP English Language & Composition and Gifted & Talented Program. As a zealous educator, Mrs. V makes strategic decisions to deliver lessons, fosters world-class skills, and encourages inquiry-based learning. Due to her creativity, advancement in professionalism, and competence, the district now has students who are graduating from high school with a diploma and an associate degree, planting a legacy that grows beyond school walls. Mrs. V’s greatest contributions and accomplishments in public education is the success of her students. With a growth mindset, she offers clear goals for students to pursue but gives them a voice and choice in their learning. Mrs. V currently serves as an English Chairperson, Student Government Association Lead Advisor, Student Improvement Council/Parent Teacher Organization Secretary, District Advisory Board Member, Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Chairperson, SC certified Mentor, AVID District site team member, Cognia Focus member, Rigorous Curriculum Designer, and lead for various community improvement projects. She became a teacher to share her love of learning and be an advocate for students. Her 34 years of educating have been an incredible journey and she is eager to invigorate and shape the future leaders of the world! Wayne Williams Wayne Williams teaches Engineering for grades 9-12 at Clover High School’s Applied Technology Center in York School District 2. Wayne earned Associate’s Degrees in both Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Engineering Graphics Technologies from York Technical College. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at USC Upstate in Engineering Management Technologies and will then pursue a Master’s in Educational Learning. Wayne spent many years as a Youth Director at church and also coached youth sports. He realized there his passion for teaching, coaching, and mentoring young people to be their best in all aspects of life. Wayne spent twenty years as a manufacturing and design engineer. During this time, Wayne began searching for something more rewarding. He began pursuing education and received an opportunity in 2013 to become a teacher at Clover High School. Wayne believes one of his greatest contributions occurred last school year when he helped increase the number of engineering completers to 21, the highest amount in recent years. Additionally, the number of Engineering program certifications earned by students also reached 60, an all-time high. One of Wayne’s major accomplishments also took place last school year. Wayne was awarded Josten’s Most Influential Teacher for 2022. Another accomplishment of Wayne’s included leading a team of seniors in a mock stadium build competition through Trane Technologies and the Carolina Panthers competing against other high schools from both North and South Carolina. Clover High School’s team finished in first place and won a $5000 grant toward the engineering program. |
Session Description
CERRA understands the importance of a professional book study. The shared experience allows teachers to experience connections to both each other and the book while learning and growing together. The SC Honor Roll teachers have all recently walked in your shoes, having represented their districts in the SC Teacher Forum last year. They will introduce to three books that offer lessons on leadership that will be used this year in our professional book studies.
CERRA understands the importance of a professional book study. The shared experience allows teachers to experience connections to both each other and the book while learning and growing together. The SC Honor Roll teachers have all recently walked in your shoes, having represented their districts in the SC Teacher Forum last year. They will introduce to three books that offer lessons on leadership that will be used this year in our professional book studies.