Seventeen Laurens County School District 55 Educators  Earn their Master’s Degree in Education on Diverse Learning

Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) is honored to celebrate seventeen of its educators who earned a Master’s Degree in Education on Diverse Learning from Lander University. One of the graduates, Rochelle Reid-Bispham, an educator at Laurens District 55 High School graduated in May 2024. Sixteen of the educators graduated in August 2024. These educators are Assistant Principal Magon Wilson from EB Morse Elementary School, Michael Schar, Stephanie Malone, and Sharanda Pilgrim from Ford Elementary School, Lindsey Dawkins, Tyler DeShields, Vanessa Huerta Flores, Trista Schar, Stefanie Vera, and Jennifer Wilson from Gray Court-Owings School, and Jennifer Wilson from Hickory Tavern School, Savannah Campbell from Laurens Elementary School, Aju Alfred, Sarah Rinaudo, Michael Waldrop, and Jonathan White from Laurens Middle School, Collin Black from Sanders Middle School. Two other educators, Brennan Boroff from Laurens Elementary School and Tammy Herring from Hickory Tavern School, will graduate in December 2024. Lander University will hold a graduation ceremony for the August 2024 graduates on December 12, 2024.

The seventeen educators are all excited about completing the program. Some educators shared their experiences in becoming and being part of the program, how earning their Master’s Degree in Education on Diverse Learning helped them, and how their new knowledge will positively impact their students.

Savannah Campbell said, “I decided to join the Lander Cohort because I knew this would help to strengthen my classroom instruction. Through the courses offered, I increased my knowledge of language, cultural awareness, and instructional strategies to help diverse learners in my classroom. I will use all the information I gained throughout this program and apply it to my classroom instruction regularly. I am very thankful to have been a part of this cohort!”

“The most important thing I learned was how to evolve from deficit thinking into asset-based thinking. I learned more about myself as an educator and became more aware of my strengths and weaknesses. My ability to connect with learners was also reinforced. My participation in the program has grown me as an educator and person by equipping me with new perspectives and a greater appreciation for celebrating cultural diversity; especially concerning how it can affect communication, conflict resolution, and team building. I now feel equipped to provide all students with equitable learning experiences,” stated Rochelle Reid-Bispham.

Michael Schar said, “I am excited to apply the new learning we received through this cohort program to the current school year. The knowledge we have gained will be an asset as we begin to plan and develop our instruction for the new school year. The concepts, background information, and strategies we have learned will assist with intentionally planning effective measures to bridge the gaps faced by our students as they navigate the challenging waters of academics throughout the year. I look forward to the achievement the students will attain as a result of this new knowledge!”

Tyler DeShields shared, “During my time in the 2-year cohort, my life has changed and looks completely different than when I started! I met and married my now-wife Leah, we bought a house, and found out I will be a dad this coming December! Even with all of these amazing changes to my life, I still had to make some sacrifices. I missed some family commitments due to the time needed to complete the school work. However, even though I had to make so many sacrifices, I completed this program and gained a lot of valuable knowledge that has helped me within the classroom to be a better teacher for all of my students. I will not change anything about my path through this program. It has made me a better person and teacher! Thank you so much to the District and Lander for this opportunity to better myself in and out of the classroom.”

Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) offers its educators opportunities to participate in the Lander University Master’s Program as part of the district recruitment and retention program. Educators who participate get their education for free with the expectation that they pass all the classes and remain in LCSD 55 for at least three years after graduation.

Alicia Scott, LCSD 55 Human Resources Department Special Projects Coordinator, said, “We congratulate all our educators on their accomplishments! The district plans to continue offering opportunities to support our staff with advancing their degrees. We continue working with Lander University to offer Montessori endorsements and hope to have additional opportunities in the future. We currently have partnerships with several institutions of higher learning to offer tuition discounts to staff.”

“I believe that the district offering programs of this nature is a blessing and allows the ones here and in our community to see that our district believes in the future and advancement of their current employees and future employees,” shared Sharanda Pilgrim.

Stephanie echoed her appreciation and said, “I am so thankful I was selected to be part of the Lander Cohort. It has always been a dream of mine to get my Master’s degree. I am so blessed to be a part of a district that values its staff and sees the importance of helping them further their education. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and its impact on me, my family, and the students I teach.”