Hand Middle – University of South Carolina Partnership
The Hand Middle–University of South Carolina PDS Partnership has provided teachers with valuable opportunities and support to attend and present at regional and national conferences. This partnership has also played a significant role in supporting our school’s journey to become a National School to Watch and in guiding us through the redesignation process.
Additionally, three of our staff members have participated in the University’s Coaching Academy, a professional development program designed to strengthen teacher leaders’ capacity to mentor interns and new teachers. Through this experience, they developed effective coaching stances and strategies to work through real-world scenarios with veteran teachers, supporting continuous professional growth. We are optimistic about expanding these research-based practices into a schoolwide initiative that encourages teachers to reflect on their instructional practices while strengthening their collaboration and interactions with both peers and students.