LANGLEY --- South Carolina's best teachers gathered Tuesday at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center as part of leadership seminars being held over the next month.
South Carolina school districts' teachers of the year will participate in five leadership sessions over the next month. The events are sponsored by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement, which is housed at Winthrop University in Rock Hill.
The daylong workshop gave Aiken County a chance to spotlight technology and curriculum innovation. Career center director Pat O'Neill said it was a chance to show the career center is accessible to every student.
"There's not one person that tours our school and goes, 'Ugh, that's exactly what I thought it would be,' " he said. "These are the highest level of teachers in the state, and they have a chance to affect more teachers when they return to their districts."
Culinary-arts students showcased their skills by providing lunch, and a school tour highlighted other departments.
Mr. O'Neill said he wanted to use the time to show that an integrated curriculum where math and science credits are awarded for classes such as cosmetology and health sciences should be a reality.
"When these students apply to college, will the college want someone who's done really well in math and science or someone who's had hands-on experience, CPR training, clinicals and applicable skills? There's not a better way to teach," he said.
The 2010 state teacher of the year, Bryan Coburn of Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, is leading the seminars. Other sessions will be held in Walterboro, Florence and Moore.
The agency will hold a two-day workshop in February for all 85 district teachers of the year.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Reach Julia Sellers at (706) 823-3424 or julia.sellers@augustachronicle.com
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