What Do Preservice Teachers Know About The Scoring And Interpretation Of A Reading Fluency Assessment?,
2026
Winthrop University
What Do Preservice Teachers Know About The Scoring And Interpretation Of A Reading Fluency Assessment?, Miranda L. Sigmon, Jeremy Lopuch
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
Literacy instruction is a crucial topic in preparing future educators. Literacy skills are a continued concern as reported by the nation's proficiency scores (NAEP, 2024). Teacher preparation regarding effective literacy instruction should involve literacy assessment, including the purpose, administering, scoring, and interpretation of assessment data. This study addressed the following question: what is preservice teachers' knowledge, accuracy in scoring, and analysis of results for a reading fluency assessment? Participants learned about oral reading fluency (ORF) assessment, practiced administering and scoring, and noted strengths and weaknesses of assessment data from a recorded second-grade assessment. Results show understanding of the assessment tool …
Stoicism For Teacher Well-Being,
2026
Coastal Carolina University
Stoicism For Teacher Well-Being, Jessica L. Richardi
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
An approach to improving educator retention is to promote teacher well-being. The ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism is an apt resource for teachers to mine for tools to maintain emotional equanimity. Stoic principles underlie modern cognitive behavioral therapy, and recent studies examining the relationship between stoic attitudes and wellness have yielded promising results. Importantly, Stoicism is accessible, practical, and adaptable to teachers' needs. While Stoicism cannot eradicate the very real challenges teachers face day-to-day, adopting stoic practices can help individual educators protect their well-being while on the job.
Pre-Service Teacher Perceptions,
2026
College of Charleston
Pre-Service Teacher Perceptions, Katie Swart
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
Several studies over the past five decades have shown that when families are involved in their child's education, it improves academic achievement (Barger et al., 2019). Beyond academic achievement, family and community engagement is also associated with better behavior, increased attendance and graduation rates, social skills, and mental health (Hiatt-Michael, 2001). Educator preparation programs (EPPs) can play a vital role in shaping pre-service teachers' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and values (Darling-Hammond & Baratz-Snowden, 2007). Moreover, researchers claim that teachers' beliefs are among the most important predictors of their classroom behaviors and practices (Buchanan et al, 1998; Vartuli, 1999). As such, pre-service …
Lessons Learned From Field Experiences Of Special Education Preservice Teachers During A Pandemic,
2026
Coastal Carolina University
Lessons Learned From Field Experiences Of Special Education Preservice Teachers During A Pandemic, Rhonda D. Miller, Meaghan S. Avery, Nicole Uphold, Jamia Thomas-Richmond
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
Field experiences provide opportunities for preservice teachers to apply instructional procedures and theories in authentic classroom settings (Leko & Brownell, 2011). The ever-changing landscape of public school classrooms makes teacher preparation a challenge. In this study, ten participants, special education preservice teachers (PSTs) in the semester before student teaching, recorded their experiences from their field experiences during a pandemic. We explored the types of activities that PSTs engaged in, the challenges that they faced, and lessons that were learned as a result of the experience. Results showed a reduced number of hours in the field, challenges with instructional practices and …
Using Constructivist Practices To Build Preservice Teachers' Understanding Of Personalized, Competency-Based Learning,
2026
Winthrop University
Using Constructivist Practices To Build Preservice Teachers' Understanding Of Personalized, Competency-Based Learning, Lindsay Yearta, Lisa Harris, Julia Wilkins, Christine Lotter
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
As teacher educators, we have always been certain of the active, iterative nature of learning, and we strive to facilitate experiences that allow our preservice teachers to learn in robust, authentic ways. When, three teacher educators from three universities situated in a southeastern state and one education associate from a state department of education, started working together in the fall of 2022 with the desire to help our preservice teachers better understand personalized, competency-based learning (PCBL), we knew how important it would be to center our learners and, in doing so, facilitate active, reflective learning experiences for them...
Highlighting Leadership Competencies On Principal Practices In A Rural School District,
2026
Pickens County School District
Highlighting Leadership Competencies On Principal Practices In A Rural School District, Shannon Goodacre, Jeremy Watts
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
The purpose of this research was to describe how high school principals in rural, high-performing high schools in Fee County Schools practice leadership to promote a positive school environment. The emphases on high-performing schools and a rural school district are inclusive to why these leaders were chosen. Assuming the leaders who influence the learning environment in these schools could be considered experts, the researchers endeavored to understand what these experts notice about their leadership methods that positively affect the learning environment. The goal of the study was to determine what skills high school principals employ to promote a positive learning …
Using Concept Maps And Reflective Narratives As Authentic Assessment Of Readiness For Inclusive Classrooms,
2026
Winthrop University
Using Concept Maps And Reflective Narratives As Authentic Assessment Of Readiness For Inclusive Classrooms, Jeremy Lopuch, Christopher O'Brien, Debra Lockwood, Sequita Lipscomb
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
The purpose of this study was to continue a line of inquiry into the usefulness of quantitative and qualitative analyses and interpretations of concept maps for assessing preservice teacher candidates' knowledge of inclusive teaching. Specifically, there is little published data on the qualitative analysis of concept maps measuring instructional knowledge and skills associated with teaching in inclusive classrooms. Using a convenience sample of 13 teacher candidates enrolled in a teacher education program, participants were asked to create a concept map of their knowledge about students with disabilities and a reflective narrative statement on the first and last day of the …
Dare We Imagine The Future Of Scate?,
2026
Coastal Carolina University
Dare We Imagine The Future Of Scate?, Benjamin Parker
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
As the newly elected President of the South Carolina Association of Teacher Educators, I have troubled myself with the task of communicating my vision for the future of our organization. It is with great honor and respect for those who have forged the path to our present state that I ask that we collectively endeavor to imagine how a united and energized group of educational experts can positively affect change by embracing a mantra of, “what if?”. In service of that goal, I humbly ask you for two things; an open-mind toward the usefulness of futurism as an orienting approach …
Full Issue: Volume 19, Number 1, Winter 2025,
2026
University of South Carolina Aiken
Full Issue: Volume 19, Number 1, Winter 2025, Judith Collazo, Suzanne Horn
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
This file contains the full issue of TEJSC, including front matter, table of contents, editorial notes, and articles.
Ideas And Activities For Strengthening Multilingual Learners' Academic Vocabulary,
2026
Coastal Carolina University
Ideas And Activities For Strengthening Multilingual Learners' Academic Vocabulary, Jennifer Altieri
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
Research suggests that while the number of multilingual students in schools is growing, there continues to be an achievement gap. Often, the difficulty is related to reading comprehension and, more specifically, vocabulary. Given the fact that academic language takes longer to develop than social language skills, it is important that multilingual learners receive additional support related to developing academic language. Content-specific vocabulary development plays a key role in academic language. This article discusses the types of vocabulary terms that are important to teach, suggestions for ways to create a classroom environment conducive to developing the terms, and specific activities which …
From Childhood Reads To Classroom Needs: Reading, Identity, And Emotional Navigation Of A Black Woman Scholar In Education,
2026
Coastal Carolina University
From Childhood Reads To Classroom Needs: Reading, Identity, And Emotional Navigation Of A Black Woman Scholar In Education, Samantha Asbury
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
This qualitative study examines how a Black woman college student navigates academic stress, racialized gender expectations, and emotional well-being in a predominantly White Education program. Using Critical Race Theory, the study explores how identity-affirming reading practices and intentional social media boundaries serve as both resistance and survival strategies. Findings reveal how systemic marginalization demands emotional labor from Black women while also highlighting their resilience, agency, and creative coping strategies. The study calls for more culturally responsive practices that nurture rather than diminish marginalized students' voices and wellbeing.
From Third Grade To The State House: An Interview With Mr. Craig King,
2026
Columbia College
From Third Grade To The State House: An Interview With Mr. Craig King, Rebecca Raab
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
This interview with SCATE member Mr. Craig King—former third-grade teacher, advocate, public speaker, and founder of Craig King Group—offers a powerful exploration of what it means to lead through service in today's educational landscape. Mr. King currently serves as the Columbia College Call Me MiSTER Site Coordinator and the Director of Teacher Leadership for the Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA), where he mentors aspiring educators and champions teacher voices at the local and state levels. Recently named one of South Carolina's "12 Black Leaders to Know." In this conversation with Dr. Rebecca Raab, Mr. King underscores the importance of teacher …
Pre-Service Teachers’ Academic Success: Paying Attention To The Importance Of Basic Literacy Skills For Future Teachers,
2026
Claflin University
Pre-Service Teachers’ Academic Success: Paying Attention To The Importance Of Basic Literacy Skills For Future Teachers, Nan Li, Jada Williams
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
The A-Nation-at-Risk report in 1983 shocked the nation. This report was an open letter to the American public. "America as a nation is at risk and that our once unchallenged preeminence in commerce, industry, science, and technological innovation is being overtaken by competitors throughout the world" (Park, 2022, p. 9). An important reason was that American students lagged behind the P-12 students of other nations in the third international literacy competition. The U.S students were ranked lower than 40 other nations.
Technology In The Classroom: Opportunity Or Obstacle?,
2026
Columbia College
Technology In The Classroom: Opportunity Or Obstacle?, Amariya Benson, Kinzly Cohen, Gretchen Whitman
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
The issue of technology in the classroom holds much significance because technology is continuing to advance at a rapid pace. As it is being woven more and more into the fabric of classroom learning, its impact is becoming increasingly profound. This growing integration needs to be studied because it brings up significant questions regarding the most effective ways to support and enhance the learning process with each new digital advancement...
Teacher Retention: Supporting New Teachers,
2026
Charleston Southern University
Teacher Retention: Supporting New Teachers, Kathy Sobolewski, Amanda Butler, Jennifer Zakrzewski
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
Our nation is undergoing a severe shortage of teachers. According to Think Impact, K-12 classroom teachers are the most burned out in comparison to every other profession, with about 40% of teachers leaving the education field in the first five years (Craft, 2024). Starrett et al. (2023) identified school factors such as dissatisfaction with the school administration, work-life balance, and school discipline problems as reasons for teachers to choose a second career. The researchers also found that class size and limited autonomy are strongly associated with emotional exhaustion, thus contributing to teachers exiting the field...
The Teachers Are Gritty,
2026
Coastal Carolina University
The Teachers Are Gritty, Austin M. Hitt, Suzanne Horn
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
In this study, researchers explored whether the GRIT survey (Duckworth, 2016), predicted whether teacher education students would be successful in their program of study and student teaching. The GRIT survey was used to judge if West Point students would succeed in graduating from their program. Through quantitative analysis, the researchers found in this study that teacher education students who were in their final year of education were gritty. Students with high grit accomplished their goal of graduating and receiving a license to teach. The students with high grit were also successful on the instrument (state rubric) that measured their teaching …
Does Story Time Matter?,
2026
University of South Carolina Upstate
Does Story Time Matter?, Stacy Burr, Emma Wells Davis
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
Four decades ago, author Harry Allard captivated young readers through his classic book, Miss Nelson is Missing! Miss Nelson was a young teacher whose students took advantage of her calm demeanor and nice nature, which in turn, summoned her inverse, Ms. Viola Swamp, the meanest substitute teacher in the world. Just as the adored Miss Nelson mysteriously vanished, another essential component of classrooms has slowly diminished. This missing piece, reading aloud to students, is a vitally important element of literacy instruction, paving the path to academic success...
Full Issue: Volume 18, Number 2, Spring 2025,
2026
University of South Carolina Aiken
Full Issue: Volume 18, Number 2, Spring 2025, Judith Collazo, Suzanne Horn
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
This file contains the full issue of TEJSC, including front matter, table of contents, editorial notes, and articles.
Confessions Of A School Nerd: A Chat With Dr. Susan Fernandez,
2026
Columbia College
Confessions Of A School Nerd: A Chat With Dr. Susan Fernandez, Rebecca Raab
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
The topic of book bans has become a common discussion point, as schools and districts field an increasing number of complaints and challenges to the books students can access in school libraries. In South Carolina, book reviews and subsequent removal of selected books by school leaders have turned into a routine experience. However, starting in the fall semesters schools and school districts in the state also have the potential to have books removed as part of a state panel's book review process. Previously these decisions were made only by the school and district. Through these school, county, and new state-level …
Banned Books And The Impact On K-12 Classroom Teaching,
2026
Coastal Carolina University
Banned Books And The Impact On K-12 Classroom Teaching, Suzanne Horn, Kristal Curry, Anthony Setari
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina
Desiree Lewis, a second-grade teacher at Marshall Elementary School in Orangeburg, South Carolina, embodies the spirit of mentorship and excellence in education. A proud graduate of Claflin University and South Carolina State University, she has remained deeply connected to her roots, teaching in the same school she attended as a child. Recently honored as a SCATE Cooperating Teacher of the Year, Desiree's passion for shaping the next generation of educators shines through her work with student teachers. In this interview, Desiree reflects on her own educational journey and the critical role cooperating teachers play in preparing future educators. Her insights …
