Greenville Hosts Annual Future Educators Conference
Greenville, SC — On September 5, residents had the chance to witness the 16th annual iTeach Conference for Future Educators, held at the Roper Mountain Science Center. This year’s conference broke records with approximately 535 high school students attending from nearby counties such as Greenville, Pickens, Oconee, Anderson, and Spartanburg.
With a growing concern over a shortage of teachers, South Carolina reported 1,613 educator vacancies at the start of the last school year, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. The iTeach Conference aims to inspire and prepare students who aspire to enter the teaching profession.
Rachel Turner, a specialist at the Greenville County Schools Future Teacher Academy, expressed excitement about the turnout. She highlighted that this conference was the largest to date, offering students valuable experiences through hands-on workshops.
The keynote speaker, Jaheim President, a teacher at Berea Middle School, shared insights into the teaching profession. Students participated in eighteen interactive workshops designed to teach essential skills and incorporate modern technology in classrooms. “The idea is that these students go in and get these skills, and then they take them back to the field where they’re working with teachers,” Turner noted.
Additionally, the conference included a college fair where attendees could talk to representatives from 15 colleges and learn about scholarship opportunities. Other enjoyable activities included teacher table talks, photo opportunities with school board members, free books, yoga sessions, and a prize wheel.
The conference aligns with the Future Teacher Academy, a three-tiered program allowing students to earn 12 hours of college credit along with field placement experience. According to Elizabeth Alverson, a senior at Riverside High School involved in the Academy, the program has opened many doors for her, providing mentorship and professional development that helps her grow in her future teaching career.
As we move forward, events like the iTeach Conference are essential in addressing the teacher shortage in South Carolina, fostering the next generation of educators who will shape the future.
