South Carolina ETV announces Hopkins teacher selected for 2022 class of PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Program
June 27, 2022
Lekena Ackerman recognized as an educational leader in South Carolina community
PBS and South Carolina ETV (SCETV) announced Lekena Ackerman from Southeast Middle School as a member of the 2022 class of educators selected for the PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Program– honoring classroom changemakers who offer fresh ideas and bold approaches to supporting their students’ growth and learning. Nominated by their local PBS stations, 20 educators were chosen from across the country.
Lekena Ackerman is an eighth grade social studies teacher at Southeast Middle School in Hopkins, SC. Ackerman loves to bring history to life for her students using things like costumes, virtual field trips and other innovative ways to encourage learning. A highlight of her teaching career was being featured on the Today Show in 2020 as a part of their Education Week series.
The PBS Digital Innovator All-Star program brings together a community of PreK-12th grade educators who are innovators and leaders both in and outside of the classroom. Specifically, Digital Innovator All-Stars are selected from a cohort of educators who are doing extraordinary work supporting student learning by integrating media and digital technology in their teaching environments and inspiring students to use these tools in responsible, effective and empowering ways.
In partnership with SCETV, Lekena Ackerman will spend the 2022-2023 school year deepening engagement among students, families, educators, schools and South Carolina communities.
The full list of the 2022 PBS Digital Innovator All-Stars and their profiles can be found on the PBS website.
QUOTES:
“We all have something to teach each other. 21st century media and literacy are different than what we are accustomed to. Students know how they like to learn, and the best results are always reached when we let them show us what they know in ways that they can be their best.”- PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Leneka Ackerman
“Lekena Ackerman is an outstanding example of a South Carolina teacher using media and digital technology to make learning meaningful and impactful for her students. She is an enthusiastic ambassador for KnowItAll.org, PBS LearningMedia, and the KQED Media Literacy Educator Certification – of which she is the second South Carolina educator to earn. We are excited to document her experience as a PBS Digital Innovator All-Star and elevate her professional voice this year.”- Chief Learning Officer Salandra Bowman
FAST FACTS
- PBS and SCETV announced Lekena Ackerman from Southeast Middle School as a member of the 2022 class of educators selected for the PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Program.
- The Program honors classroom changemakers who offer fresh ideas and bold approaches to supporting their students’ growth and learning.
- Ackerman loves to bring history to life for her students using things like costumes, virtual field trips and other innovative ways to encourage learning.
- In partnership with SCETV, Lekena Ackerman will spend the 2022-2023 school year deepening engagement among students, families, educators, schools and South Carolina communities.
- The full list of the 2022 PBS Digital Innovator All-Stars and their profiles can be found on the PBS website.
About PBS
PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 126 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. Using television, radio and diverse digital properties, SCETV’s mission is to enrich lives by educating children, informing and connecting citizens, celebrating our culture and environment and instilling the joy of learning. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, Palmetto Scene and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, Expeditions, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and Live from Charleston Music Hall. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.
