Presbyterian College welcomed educators from across the region for the 11th Annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute, an event dedicated to professional learning, collaboration, and advancing inclusive practices in education. This year’s institute featured nationally recognized speaker Jed Dearybury, a playologist, who led participants in an engaging exploration of the power of play for learners of all ages.
Dearybury’s session emphasized that play is not simply an activity, but a critical component of learning and development. Through a combination of research and hands-on experiences, participants explored how play supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Attendees actively participated in a variety of playful learning experiences, including recreating their learning environments using play-doh and engaging in the high-energy “Alleycat Dance.”
These activities were intentionally designed to model classroom strategies that promote physical activity, collaboration, and student engagement while also supporting brain development.
Throughout the session, Dearybury connected playful experiences to neuroscience, explaining how play stimulates the release of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which support attention, mood, and motivation. In addition to hands-on activities, participants reflected on their own childhood experiences with play, fostering meaningful connections with colleagues and reinforcing the importance of joy and creativity in educational settings.
The institute brought together a diverse group of professionals, including general and special education teachers, related service providers, administrators, instructional coaches, and higher education faculty. The event continues to serve as a vital space for networking and professional growth within the education community.
Dr. Julia Wilkins, associate professor of education, established the institute 11 years ago after learning about the Charles Chadwell Endowment at Presbyterian College, which was created to provide funding for workshops as well as scholarships for students who plan to continue their
education in the field of special education.
“I am incredibly grateful for the Chadwell Endowment,” Wilkins said. “Dr. Chadwell believed deeply in creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and he was always so appreciative of these institutes. He would be proud to see them still going strong—bringing educators together and continuing to promote inclusive practices for all learners.”
The event honored the legacy of Dr. Charles Chadwell, a longtime advocate for individuals with disabilities. His daughter, Ann Chadwell Humphries, addressed attendees and shared that her father strongly believed in the importance of play—not only for his own children, but also for individuals served in the residential centers where he served as superintendent, including Whitten Center in Clinton and the Midlands Center in Columbia.
The success of this year’s institute was supported by PC students who played a key role in organizing the event. Early Childhood Education majors Victoria Smith, Kacie Tharin, and Bea Polinario, along with Special Education major Sarah Elrod, demonstrated a strong commitment to the teaching profession through their leadership and involvement.
Their participation highlights the college’s emphasis on service and preparing future educators who value collaboration, professional learning, and innovative instructional practices.
