As the school year winds down across South Carolina, students in the Presbyterian College education program are preparing to step into classrooms of their own as future teachers.
On Friday, May 8, members of the Class of 2026 gathered in Kuhne Auditorium for the annual Teacher Induction Ceremony, a PC tradition that formally welcomes graduating education majors into the teaching profession. Surrounded by faculty, family, friends, and classmates, students recited the Oath for Graduating Educators and committed themselves to lives of service, leadership, and learning.
The ceremony featured remarks from Dr. Douglas Smith, associate professor of education. Smith’s career in education has spanned more than three decades in K-12 schools and higher education classrooms. Smith encouraged graduates to embrace the responsibility and the impact of teaching as they begin careers that will shape future generations.
“Teaching is, and always will be, about leveraging everything you are, everything you have, and all you can do for the good of others. Teaching is about seeing potential where others may not.”
Dr. Doug Smith, Assistant Professor of Education
Drawing from his experiences as a classroom teacher, researcher, and professor, Smith reminded graduates that the most meaningful moments in education are often the ones teachers may never fully see in the moment.
He encouraged students to lead with compassion, perseverance, and humility while remaining committed to building relationships with their future students. Smith also challenged graduates to embrace growth, learn from mistakes, and continue showing up for students even on difficult days.
“The most powerful teaching does not come from having all the answers,” Smith said. “It comes through relationships. Students learn best when they feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Student Teaching Experiences Prepare Future Teachers
For many graduates, the ceremony marked the culmination of years spent learning educational theory as well as the realities of leading a classroom.
Emily Reid, an elementary education major from Columbia, S.C., said PC helped her build confidence gradually through hands-on experiences and leadership opportunities.
“The education program does an amazing job of slowly building your confidence over the four years in order to prepare you for student teaching and for your own classroom as well.”
“Overall, PC has heavily prepared me for my new role as a first-grade teacher, and I am confident that the education PC gave me will trickle down to my future first graders.”
Reid said one of the defining moments of her experience came during student teaching.
“Watching the students engage with me and the content I was teaching built up my confidence and made me feel like I was already in the role as a teacher,” she said.
“You cannot truly identify with the role of a teacher without seeing the impact and positive effect you have on the students.”
Presbyterian College Faculty Mentor Future Educators
The Teacher Induction Ceremony also reflects PC’s emphasis on experiential learning and mentorship. Graduates consistently point to these as defining parts of the education program.
Caden Stonell, a Laurens, S.C., native who will teach in Greenwood District 50, said PC’s faculty played a major role in preparing him for the profession.
“PC gave me real-world experience with professors who have not only been in the classroom, but still are,” Stonell said. “PC has an education curriculum that expands beyond the textbook and has plenty of opportunity for practice.”
Caden Stonell, Elementary Education major, Laurens, S.C.
During his student teaching experience at Joanna-Woodson Elementary School, Stonell said he realized he was ready to lead.
“I stepped out of the passenger’s seat and into the driver’s seat,” he said. “It was a demanding role, but it was exciting.”
Education Majors Gain Real-World Classroom Preparation
For Mahala Lackey of Greer, S.C., the ceremony represented an ending and a beginning. After graduation, Lackey will attend the University of South Carolina to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
Lackey, a special education major, said PC helped prepare her through practical experiences that mirrored the realities of school life.
“From teaching lessons to my classmates to participating in mock meetings, I felt prepared for the real-life experiences that take place in a school setting,” Lackey said.
She added that one lesson will stay with her throughout her career:
“It is so important for students to know that their teacher cares for them and wants to see them succeed.”
A Commitment to the Future of Education
The ceremony included an invocation from Rev. Buz Wilcoxon, greetings from Dr. Anita Gustafson, and a welcome from Dr. Patricia Jones. Dr. Julia Wilkins led graduates in reciting the Oath for Graduating Educators, while Dr. Tammy Graham conducted the induction ceremony itself.
As graduates crossed the stage, the ceremony served as a reminder that PC’s education program is about more than preparing students for a job. It is about preparing teachers to lead with compassion, courage, and purpose.
For students considering a future in education, PC offers more than coursework. It offers early classroom experiences, mentorship from experienced educators, and a community committed to helping future teachers succeed from their very first day in front of students.
