Educators return to class in Colonial Life program

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Aug. 7, 2018) — Preparing students for the workforce of the future will be easier for local educators because of the Education Leaders Experience, a 10-month journey sponsored by Colonial Life that connects education professionals with business leaders. 

“Strong partnerships between educators and business leaders are imperative to growing 21st century employees,” said Tim Arnold, president and CEO of Colonial Life. “Whenever we have an opportunity to learn from today’s educators, and educate them on current workplace trends and needs, it’s beneficial for all of us.”

This year’s 19-person class includes principals, counselors and district office employees from Lexington and Richland counties, as well as higher education officials from across the Midlands. The members of the 2018-19 Gamma class are:

• PJ Alonzo, teacher, Pontiac Elementary School, Richland School District Two
• Dr. Dixon Brooks, interim director of secondary education, Lexington School District Two
• Megan Carrero, principal, R.H. Fulmer Middle School, Lexington School District Two
• Thomas Cranmer, chief technology officer, Richland School District Two
• Dr. Jennifer Doyle, professional development school liaison, University of South Carolina/ Lower Richland High School
• Dr. Michael Harris, chief planning and administrative officer, School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties
• Kevin Hasinger, principal, Satchel Ford Elementary School, Richland School District One
• Dr. Randall Gary, superintendent, Lexington School District Three
• Margo Jackson, director of student diversity, inclusion and engagement, University of South Carolina’s College of Education
• Shaun Jacques, principal, Swansea High School, Lexington School District Four
• Malisa Johnson, teacher, Oak Pointe Elementary School, School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties
• Pamela Lawson, director of advancement service, Midlands Technical College’s Office of Philanthropy
• Katrina Pitts, service-learning program manager, Benedict College
• Dr. Felicia Richardson, principal, Annie Burnside Elementary School, Richland School District One
• Angie Rye, chief academic officer, Lexington School District Three
• Dr. Marla Sanders, associate professor, Columbia College’s Division of Education
• Tamara Turner, coordinator of teacher evaluation, School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties’ Office of Human Resources
• Dr. Cindy Van Buren, assistant dean for professional partnerships and accreditation, University of South Carolina’s College of Education
• Shawn Williams, chief human resources officer, Richland School District Two

This is the third leadership class of educators that Colonial Life has sponsored. 

“The shared perspectives gained between education and business leaders through this program enhance awareness and understanding of how today’s educational experience can support the talent needs of a global workforce,” said Marie McGehee, community relations manager at Colonial Life.