October 2016

Congratulations to Woodmont High Theatre Teacher Harry Culpepper on his amazing production of The Taste of Sunrise, a play that combines American Sign Language with spoken word. Culpepper was raised by deaf parents and grandparents. American Sign Language was his first language, and while he wanted to become a professional actor, teaching was always in the back of his mind.

“I learned to speak early as my parents put me in school early but didn't feel fully comfortable socializing at school with other kids until about third grade,” he said. “I was always drawn to the arts, music and theatre, which my parents never fully understood but encouraged anyway. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory/University and worked for a few years as a professional actor before becoming a teacher.”

Culpepper is pleased with the way his students have enthusiastically embraced learning sign language for the performance. “From my perspective, my students have become so inspired and motivated to learn a new language and new culture,” he said. “Just last week, the students participated in a "Silent Supper" at the Haywood Mall where they had the opportunity to interact with deaf community members and immerse themselves in the language of sign language and the social culture of deaf people. It was truly inspiring and moving to see how excited they were to have this experience.”

About 340 students and 25 teachers attended the sixth annual iTeach Conference for future educators at Mauldin High School. Sixty teachers were presenters and 12 teachers volunteered their time during the event.

Mauldin High’s Rachel Turner, coordinator of the conference, said the biggest change this year was the addition of many technology sessions showcasing how teachers are using Kahoot, Quizlet, and other apps in the classroom. “I think it’s great because our teachers are experiencing 21st century instruction, and they’re here to teach the next generation of educators how to implement these strategies into the classroom,” she said.

Here is what some participants had to say:

"I felt a sense of belonging the second I walked through the door. Thank you for caring."

"Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to better my education and career!"

"I feel as if I have learned so much to help me become a future teacher."

Nine GCS Teachers First to Earn Project-Based Learning Credential

Nine Greenville County school teachers are the first to earn South Carolina’s new project-based learning (PBL) endorsement. They are Sonja Bryant, Berea High; Richard Cecere, Woodmont High; Amanda Cole, Monarch Elementary; Jigna Desai, Greenville High; Kelly Dill, Mountain View Elementary; Jonathan Dorn, Eastside High; Sally Eastman, Woodmont High; and Stacia Turkenburg, Greer High. Congratulations!