EPI Center’s Literacy Summit gathers educators to advance innovative teaching strategies
September 16, 2025
The Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) recently hosted its Literacy Summit and Convening, a premier event that brought together over 200 educators from across South Carolina. The summit focused on advancing evidence-based practices and innovative strategies to elevate literacy instruction and professional development.
Held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, the event featured a powerful keynote address from Dr. Brandi Hinnant-Crawford, who connected improvement science to the rich history of South Carolina and the legacy of renowned educator Septima Clark.
Panelists for the Interactive Food for Thought Evidence-based Strategies Session- Dr. Tina Marshall-Bradley, Dr. Shelly Meyers, Dr. Brandi Hinnant-Crawford, Dr. Franklin J. Gause, Ms. LaToya Glenn, and Ms. Jessica N. McCormick
“When you are literate, you have options to choose the path in front of you,” said Dr. Hinnant-Crawford. She added, “Improvement is a team sport. You cannot improve what you cannot measure. The first thing I want you to do is take time to teach, listen, and learn together. It’s a collective effort.”
Attendees gained actionable insights from a dynamic agenda that included workshops co-led by The Reading League and Discovery Education, a panel discussion with PK-16 administrators, and an exhibitor expo. Participants also received a comprehensive Educators’ Toolkit and a gift of books to help them implement new strategies in their classrooms.
Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, CEO of the EPI Center, emphasized the collective responsibility of fostering literacy. “As educators and parents, we know that even a few minutes of learners reading daily with family can reinforce the efforts of teachers in the classroom, build confidence, and nurture a culture of literacy that lasts a lifetime.”
The summit’s reach extended far beyond state lines, as the EPI Center live-streamed the event to international partners at the Accra College of Education in Ghana and St. George Secondary School in Barbados.
“The live stream to Ghana and Barbados was a monumental step,” said Dr. Mitchell. “This milestone builds on our recent successful virtual professional development
initiative in Barbados and demonstrates our mission’s borderless impact.” She added that the EPI Center’s core work is to “remove barriers for educators and provide them with the resources needed to succeed through proven strategies.”
The EPI Center, whose Improvement Science Propels Achievement and Critical Thinking (IMPACT) program played a key role in organizing this event, serves over 1,000 educators across 25 counties in South Carolina, as well as in six states and through three global immersion experiences (Ghana, Barbados, and Nigeria). The organization continues to foster meaningful relationships within the education community.
“We deliver experiences that shape lives and futures,” Dr. Mitchell concluded. “This is where the difference resides.”
About the EPI Center
The EPI Center is a self-sustaining, national 501(c) (3) nonprofit established in 2021 on the campus of Voorhees University by Founder and CEO Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell. The EPI Center was established to redefine educator preparation through pathbreaking, research-driven approaches. With a commitment to elevating teacher effectiveness, the organization provides a comprehensive continuum of services designed to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to drive student success. The Center is located at 423 College Street in Batesburg-Leesville, SC.
