Thursday's Thoughts
PSTA Weekly News
Vol. 13 November 5th, 2020
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
Calling All STAR Teachers!
The Strategies for Teacher Advancement and Renewal (STAR) Program is entering its 26th year of rewarding and renewing veteran teachers across South Carolina. Over 550 teachers have experienced this amazing professional development during a weeklong seminar held twice a year at St Christopher Conference Center on beautiful Seabrook Island. Through grants and contributions from businesses, the Foundation for Professional Development in partnership with PSTA pays all expenses for the teachers including accommodations, travel, and substitute pay. Founded in 1994 by Dr. Elizabeth Gressette, the STAR program is the only one of its kind in South Carolina and is modeled after North Carolina's NCAT (Center for the Advancement of Teaching) which has been operating for over 30 years.
The overall goals of the STAR Seminar are to:
Retain quality teachers in South Carolina’s classrooms;
Enhance teachers’ commitment to the profession thereby improving the educational opportunities for their students;
Reward outstanding veteran teachers who have taken the initiative to grow professionally and recognize them for exceptional performance;
Provide teachers with the opportunity to network and make connections with other outstanding educators from across our state;
Renew the teacher’s enthusiasm, leading to improved student performance and improved relationships with colleagues, parents and students.
The ultimate beneficiaries are the students whose lives these teachers touch! Do you know a STAR Teacher who deserves to be recognized? Applications are available on our website or by emailing tchewning@palmettoteachers.org . Teachers who have taught for at least 5 years in South Carolina’s public schools and have direct contact with students are eligible to apply.
Columbia College Professional Development
Columbia College's APEC program will be presenting the Polishing your Performance Series.
Upcoming dates:
- November 9th: Teacher Leadership and Advocacy by Patrick Kelly. (Click here for more information)
Teaching Fellows
2020 NCSS Conference
Click here to register.
Friendly Reminder!
Help Us Grow!
Please help us continue to grow PSTA by encouraging your colleagues to consider joining the largest professional organization for educators in South Carolina. This year more than ever, teachers need to know that PSTA is working hard to support and advocate for their needs. Thank you for all you do! Remember PSTA is here for you so you can be there for your students.
We are still offering our incentive program. For every new member* you sign up, you will receive $10 (up to $499 each year). Please feel free to print a membership application here and sign up as many new members as you can!! If you have any questions please contact our office at 803-256-2065 or email us at info@palmettoteachers.org
COVID-19 FAQs
Click on the image below to view the COVID-19 FAQs.