Presbyterian College hosts Second Annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute

Presbyterian College hosts Second Annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute

On Saturday, April 16, 2016, the education department at Presbyterian College hosted the Second Annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute, which was attended by faculty and students from PC, Furman University, Lander University, Bob Jones University, USC Upstate, Erskine College, and Converse College, as well as administrators, school psychologists, and teachers from six area school districts.

Dr. Timothy Shanahan, a national expert in the field of literacy presented, “Response to Instruction: Literacy Education in Special Education.” He explained his multi-tiered intervention model, which is designed to help struggling readers succeed in the regular classroom rather than being pulled out for reading instruction.

Kellie Cleveland, an early childhood education major said, “I have always had a passion for special education, so this institute was a very exciting experience for me at PC. I was given the opportunity to help organize and host the institute. I loved meeting people from across the upstate area and hearing about their experiences in education. This institute allowed me to gain many perspectives on not only special education but literacy and how we can best accommodate our students in the classroom.”

After Shanahan’s presentation, special education and early childhood education professors and students from Bob Jones University presented a workshop on interactive writing stations. The presenters demonstrated different ways that co-teaching can be implemented by general and special education teachers to enhance literacy instruction for young students.

“We are so lucky to have such an amazing opportunity on PC’s campus,” said Elizabeth Myers, an early childhood education major. “To hear and learn from experts, educators, and future educators about special education is truly an incredible experience.”

The event was made possible by The Charles H. Chadwell Endowment for Special Education, which was established at Presbyterian College in 1984 by Mr. Francis E. Cothran and his wife, Mrs. Jean Syminton Cothran. Their son, Billy, was a resident of the Whitten Center, an institution in Clinton for individuals with disabilities, when Dr. Charles Chadwell was the superintendent.

The endowment is designed to be used for scholarship awards for students who plan to continue their education in the field of special education, and to provide seminars, lectures, or workshops led by recognized authorities in fields related to Special Education, which will promote a better understanding of the circumstances faced by individuals with disabilities and their families.

In 2015, the Education Department hosted The First Annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute.

Patricia Hensley, a professor at Furman University who attended both institutes, stated, “This is such a great opportunity for preservice teachers and teachers. I learn so much every time I come.”

“I have had the distinct pleasure of participating on the Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute Committee for two years now,” said Sam Tindal, a junior early childhood education major. “In such a short span of time, I can already see how important this institute has become. Being able to attend these institutes free of charge as an undergraduate student, as well as working behind the scenes, has taught me so much and has prepared me early for the institutes and seminars I will be attending monthly as a future South Carolina Educator.”