ECD grad Ashley Clayton makes learning fun
May 16, 2016
PENDLETON, SC – Tri-County Technical College Early Childhood Development (ECD) graduate Ashley Clayton says she knew she had chosen the right career path while serving as a student teacher’s assistant at Homeland Park Primary School this past year.
“I really connected with the students and their teacher, Mrs. Jamie Davis, who is a role model for me. I want to have fun teaching and to make a positive impact every day. I want the kids to learn and have fun at the same time. It takes creativity and planning, as well as getting to know the students as individuals,” said Clayton, who graduated with honors at the College’s May 10 spring commencement.
Her year of work is creatively captured in a portfolio, an ECD program requirement for graduation. It also serves as a resource guide for the students as they enter the workforce as new teachers. Individual students must evaluate reflectively on their learning throughout the year and must show and discuss three artifacts of their learning before a panel of educators from Tri-County.
The Early Childhood Development program is designed to incorporate High Impact Practices into every semester, as our candidates begin lab experiences involving hands on learning in real-life situations during the very first semester, said Meredith McClure, program coordinator for ECD.
Clayton presented her portfolio during an exit interview that included President Ronnie L. Booth.
“I recognized him from the President’s List reception but I wasn’t nervous. I was glad he was there. I wanted him to hear how good the program is and what Tri-County means to me,” said the Anderson resident.
Included in her portfolio of learning was a cover letter, resume, her philosophy of teaching and the many projects and activities she designed for the Homeland Park class. Topics and activities addressed kids with disabilities and how to accommodate them in and out of the classroom; behavioral issues; classroom design; and other teaching tools. Each chapter serves as a lesson plan. Each project and paper is based on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.
NAEYC has set six standards for early childhood programs that can help families make the right choice when they are looking for a child care center, preschool, or kindergarten. The standards and criteria are also the foundation of the NAEYC Accreditation system for early childhood programs. To earn accreditation, programs must meet all six standards.
Tri-County has been NAEYC accredited since 2007.
“I will guard this with my life,” said Clayton, of the thick notebook that will serve as her resource guide for teaching. “You can read this and know who I am and why I want to be a teacher.”
“Ashley is the type of student who makes learning a priority. She is a deeply reflective learner who always puts forth her best work,” said McClure. “When Ashley is in the classroom, she is in her element. You would be hard pressed to pick out the ECD candidate from the classroom teacher.”
Clayton began college at SC State after graduating from T.L. Hanna High School in 2010. “I was excited and ready to go. During my sophomore year during my student teaching (elementary school), I began to question my career path. My mother told me to come home and figure it out. I took a semester off to reflect. My mother suggested I enroll in the Early Childhood Education program at Tri-County. It was affordable and had a curriculum focused on early childhood education.”
She also began a full-time job as a program aide at the Boys and Girls Club in Anderson helping kids in grades kindergarten – second grade with homework and activities. What started out as a summer job evolved into full-time work. “I love the kids and the job,” said Clayton.
In addition to maintaining her status on the President’s List, Clayton was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and was chosen as the ECD Student of the Year for 2016. She attended college this year on a Foundation-sponsored scholarship (Jackie Oakley Endowed Scholarship). While seeking full-time employment, she landed a substitute teaching positon with District 4. Her goal is to be a lead teacher in grades K – 2 and in the future to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
“I want kids to have fun learning – that’s what I’ve done here at Tri-County,” she said.
