More than 70 education majors were recognized recently during a time-honored tradition marking the transition of graduating from Lander University to entering their field of study.
The university's faculty members celebrated the milestone with their seniors students by welcoming them into the teaching profession with a special pinning ceremony. Those receiving a final master's degree were also recognized with a hooding ceremony to symbolize the successful completion of their studies.
Led by the university's Chair of Teacher Education Dr. Lee Vartanian, professors and mentors shared warm memories and words of encouragement with the new educators, urging them to continue serving as role models while pursuing a career fostering the development of children.
Special Recognition for Educator Tommie Bowling
Local educator and Lander alumna Tommie Bowling was honored for her outstanding contributions in education during the program. Bowling is an elementary school physical education teacher for Greenwood School District 50.
Early Childhood Education
Lander University's early childhood education program includes study and practice of specialized teaching methods that are appropriate for young children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through third grade.
Graduating seniors were recognized for completing the curriculum in Early Childhood Education, including a full semester of clinical practice as student teachers. Led by Program Coordinator Dr. Chris Sacerdotem education pins were presented to the following seniors who successfully completed their course studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education during Spring 2018.
Pictured from the left on the front row are Cierra Blair, of Bennettsville; Kathryn Connell, of Elgin; Grace Hook, of West Columbia; Rebecca Bruce, of Honea Path; Dalis Giles, of Ninety Six; and Sara Elizabeth Owen, of West Columbia. On the second row are Lauren Strickland, of Greenwood; Rachel Branum, of North Augusta; Savannah Lewis, of Calhoun Falls; Samuelyn Brown, of Abbeville; and Emily Davis, of Saluda. On the third row are Sadazia Robinson, of Greenwood; Kathleen Davenport, of Abbeville; Karedith Crouch, of Saluda; Jayde Brooks, of Ninety Six; Allison Roberson, of Greenwood; and Jessica Sherfield, of Laurens. Not pictured is Malloree Brandt, of Greenwood.
Elementary Education
Lander University's elementary education program includes study and practice methods designed toward the elementary classroom that are appropriate for teaching children in second through sixth grades.
Graduating seniors were recognized for completing the curriculum in Elementary Education, including a full semester of clinical practice as student teachers. Led by Program Coordinator Dr. Susan Fernandez, education pins were presented to the following seniors who successfully completed their course studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Pictured from the left on the front row are Ashley Giordano, of Summerville; Laura McCaslan, of Greenwood; Alissa Norton, of Spartanburg; Kadeidra Chandler, of Edgefield; Ashleigh Christiano, of Mauldin; and Lauren Kesler, of Anderson. On the second row are Meagan Bryant, of Anderson; Alexandra Butler, of Greenwood; Savannah Dover, of Lancaster; and Mariah Gause, of Irmo. On the third row are Joshua Malek, of Easley; Pierce Bijeau, of Woodruff; Emily Lowery, of Westminster; Katelyn Burrell, of Rock Hill; and Maria Morales-Moreno, of Greenwood. Not pictured is Dominic Grant, of Cross Hill.
Special Education
Lander University's special education program is built on a foundation of specialized content courses that address the competencies of teaching students with mild or moderate disabilities. These educational courses provide a background for multi-categorical certification in teaching children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through the twelfth grade.
Graduating seniors were recognized for completing the curriculum in Special Education, including a full semester of clinical practice as student teachers. Led by Program Coordinator Dr. Carol Hoyle, education pins were presented to the following seniors who successfully completed their course studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Special Education.
Pictured from the left on the front row are Chelsea Beckett, of Gray Court; Amye Barnette, of Greenwood; Sierra Kelley, of Easley; Jahleesa Coatie, of Columbia; and Ajadae Williams, of Bamberg. On the second row are Jordan Blackwell, of Taylors; Caroline Powell, of Blythewood; Hannah Martin, of Irmo; and Ashton Casey, of Greenville.
English, Secondary Education
Lander University offers secondary certification for grades 9-12 in English. In addition to accomplishing the curriculum in English, these undergraduates also studied education courses and completed a full semester of clinical practice as student teachers.
Led by Program Coordinator Dr. James Anderson, education pins were presented to the following seniors who successfully completed their course studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in English, secondary certification.
From the left are Jessica Grooms, of Summerville; and Rebecca Snelgrove, of Starr.
Mathematics, Secondary Education
Lander University offers secondary certification for grades 9-12 in Mathematics. In addition to accomplishing the curriculum in Mathematics, these undergraduates also studied education courses and completed a full semester of clinical practice as student teachers.
Led by Program Coordinator Gina Dunn, education pins were presented to the following seniors who successfully completed their course studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, secondary certification.
From the left are and Christina McClure, of Greenwood; and Nick Mann, of Clinton.
History, Secondary Education
Lander University offers secondary certification for grades 9-12 in History. In addition to accomplishing the curriculum in History, these undergraduates also studied education courses and completed a full semester of clinical practice as student teachers.
Led by Program Coordinator Dr. Ryan Floyd, education pins were presented to the following seniors who successfully completed their course studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in History, secondary certification.
From the left are Anna Jordan, of Honea Path; Kathryn Lancaster, of Chester; and Meghin Taylor of Roebuck. Not pictured is Kevin Latham, of Greenwood.
Music, Secondary Education
Lander University offers secondary certification for grades K-12 in Music. In addition to accomplishing the curriculum in Music, these undergraduates also studied education courses and completed a full semester of clinical practice as student teachers.
Led by Program Coordinator Dr. Chuck Neufeld, education pins were presented to the following seniors who successfully completed their course studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Music, secondary certification.
From the left area Bryan Keefe, of Fort Mill; Amber Anderson, of Laurens; Brittany Gionakis, of Catawba; Adam Alberson, of Pelzer; and Destinee Simpson, of Anderson.
Physical Education
Lander University offers secondary certification for grades K-12 in Physical Education. In addition to accomplishing the curriculum in Physical Education, these undergraduates also studied education courses and completed a full semester of clinical practice as student teachers.
Led by Chair of the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Studies Dr. Gina Barton, education pins were presented to the following seniors who successfully completed their course studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, secondary certification.
From the left are Michael Toth, of Lexington; Charles Dysart, of Greenwood; Santana Saldivar, of Greenville; James Cumming, of West Columbia; and Blair Neaderhiser, of Joanna.
Master of Education in Montessori
In addition to its undergraduate programs in education, the university offers credentials at the graduate level through a Master's in Montessori Education degree in elementary education. Led by Program Coordinator Barbara Ervin, the following students were recognized with a special hooding ceremony symbolizing their success in obtaining a Master of Education in Montessori. They were Jenae Chiles, of Belton; Kerry Truluck, of Prosperity; Rebecca Addison, of Liberty; Yshay Fuller, of Greenwood; Rachael Hobbs, of Greenville; and Margaret Ann Williams, of North Augusta. Allison Beaty, of Abbeville received a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning for Diverse Learners.
Lander Teaching Fellows
The university supports the state of South Carolina in recruiting talented high school seniors into the teaching profession by providing a Teaching Fellows Program. Those in the program participate in enrichment programs, have professional development opportunities, are involved with communities and businesses and receive annual fellowships while completing a degree leading to teacher certification. Dr. Lee Vartanian, Director of the Lander University's Teaching Fellows Program, recognized graduating seniors who completed this program.
Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society
Presented by Dr. Tia Adger, Faculty Advisor for Lander's chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International
Honor Society in Education, members were presented with purple and green twined cords tied together by purple sashes denoting the prestigious membership. The organization promotes fellowship and fosters excellence among those dedicated to teaching.
For more information about Lander University's Department of Teacher Education or to view more photos of the ceremony, visit Lander University's website at www.lander.edu.