Samantha Tindal, a 2017 graduate of Presbyterian College’s early childhood education program recently had her article, “Students with Mild Cerebral Palsy in the Classroom: Information and Guidelines for Teachers,” accepted for publication in “Papers and Publications: Interdisciplinary Journal of Undergraduate Research.”

Tindal conducted qualitative research on young adults with mild cerebral palsy for her education capstone class in the spring of 2016. As an individual with mild cerebral palsy, Tindal wanted to explore other students’ experiences in school and provide guidelines for teachers on how to effectively accommodate students with cerebral palsy in the classroom.

She found that students with mild cerebral palsy did not want undue attention brought to them due to their disability. Tindal, therefore, recommended that teachers have open conversations with their students about the needs and the level of assistance they want in the classroom.

Dr. Julia Wilkins, assistant professor of education, who taught Tindal’s capstone class remarked on how Tindal had always wanted to conduct research on a topic that brought awareness to cerebral palsy.

“Through her capstone research, Sam was able to fulfill her passion,” Wilkins said. “She can now bring awareness to the needs of students with cerebral palsy in the classroom by sharing her own research findings.”

While at PC, Tindal was a member of the Tri Sigma Sorority, as well as Order of Omega, an honor society for Greek members; Kapa Delta Pi, an international education honors society; and the Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute Committee. Tindal was also a member of the women’s choir and was a part of Thornwell’s Big Brother/Big Sister program.

Having graduated in May, Tindal plans to relocate to Jacksonville, Fla., in mid-July to serve as a member of City Year, a program funded through AmeriCorps. The program places individuals in low income, Title 1 schools in cities throughout the United States. City Year members provide individualized support to at-risk students while also enabling a positive learning environment in impoverished schools throughout the U.S.

After Tindal finishes her year of service in Jacksonville, she plans on moving back to South Carolina and finding a full-time teaching position.

Presbyterian College is located on a striking 240-acre campus in Clinton, between Columbia and Greenville, S.C. Offering challenging academics and a culture of honor, ethics, and service that prepares students to be leaders in communities, PC offers its students the benefit of engaging with an exceptional faculty who take individual interest in their students’ well-being, both personally and in the classroom. The Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy is dedicated to the ideals of leadership, honor to the profession, and service to the community. For more information about Presbyterian College, visit www.presby.edu.