Thursday's Thoughts
PSTA Weekly News
Vol. 28 March 18th, 2021
Email: info@palmettoteachers.org
Website: palmettoteachers.org
Location: 220 State Street, West Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: 803-256-2065
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoTeachers/
Twitter: @PSTAnews
SC STEM Teacher of the Year Announced
Congratulations PSTA member Amy Baldwin for being named 2021 SC STEM Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations PSTA member Nicole Yemothy - Finalist SC STEM Teacher of the Year!
The 2020 SC STEM Teacher of the year, Tracy Elmore, is also a member of PSTA!
We still have open spots for our Virtual EdCamp!
Click here to register!
By participating in this event, you will earn 3 recertification hours.
Contracts for 2021-22 School Year
As we move into the second half of the school year, it is almost time for 2021-22 contracts to be issued. Last week, Superintendent Spearman sent a memorandum to all S.C. school districts regarding contract dates, which is provided below. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 59-25-410, written notice regarding an educator’s employment status for the following school year must be issued before May 1 (i.e., by April 30). If a contract is not issued by that date, a continuing contract teacher is deemed to have a contract for the following school year. Furthermore, S.C Code Ann. § 59-25-420 states that teachers have until before May 11 (i.e., by May 10) to turn in their contracts for the following school year. A district cannot legally require an educator to turn in his or her contract before that date. If you have any issues at all regarding contracts, please contact us at legal@palmettoteachers.org or (803) 256-2065.
Memorandum from Superintendent Spearman: https://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/school-district-memoranda-archive/educator-contracts-for-the-2021-22-school-year/educator-contracts-for-the-2021-22-school-year-memo/
SC Department of Education Launches Student Writing Contest To Celebrate African American History
High school students in SC have a chance to win a new laptop and scholarship money for their school.
The SC Department of Education is partnering with Dominion Energy to launch a writing contest to celebrate African American History.
For more information click here.
ETV Survey
Hello, If you're a PreK-12 educator and/or PreK parent or childcare provider, ETV wants to hear from YOU!
Please share your voice and give ETV feedback on services and resources in a survey.
Survey responses received by April 15, 2021, will be entered into a drawing for great prizes!
- Survey for PreK-12 educators, including home-schooling parents/caregivers https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SSRZ9FJ
- Survey for PreK parents and home/center-based PreK childcare providers/educators https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HY7P9MK
You may take each survey if applicable, however you'll receive only one entry into our drawing for the grand prize and you can only win one prize. We'll draw for the grand prize first, so all respondents have an equal chance to win it. Learn more about the prizes and drawing at scetv.org/stories/2021/share-your-voice-etv-education-survey.
Your input is invaluable and assists in creating quality educational content and resources.
Thank you in advance for participating in a survey!
Questions? Please contact us via etveducation@scetv.org or 1-800-277-3245.
Member Recruitment Program
Click here for more information.
Resources for teaching Women's History
Women’s History Month is celebrated each year in March. SCETV offers a wide variety of digital resources for classroom teachers. These educational materials are designed to the extend learning about women’s history and engage all learners.
Click here for more information.
Professional Development Opportunites
ENROLL TODAY: Palmetto State Teachers Association's Discount Marketplace
We appreciate you for being a member of Palmetto State Teachers Association and we thank you! That's why we’re excited to offer a discount program through Working Advantage, your one-stop shop for savings with brands you know and love, discounts on local experiences, curated offers just for our organization, and new deals added weekly.
It’s cost-free and easy to enroll. Just visit https://psta.savings.beneplace.com and begin saving today on items like:
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Health and wellness products and memberships
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Food and beverage delivery
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Electronics and apparel
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Financial and educational services
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Home goods and home office supplies
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Flowers and gifts
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Attractions, shows, concerts, and sporting events
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Hotels and rental cars
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& so much more!
COVID-19 FAQs
Click on the image below to view the COVID-19 FAQs.