In this episode, host Tom Luna is joined by a familiar face, Ellen Weaver, the State Superintendent of South Carolina. Ellen sits down with Tom at the Excel in Ed conference to reflect on her first year in office and the strides her state has made in education. From the sense of urgency she brought to her role to the transformative focus on literacy through the science of reading, Ellen shares her journey and the bold initiatives she's spearheading.

They discuss the importance of professional development for teachers, the power of leadership at the school and community levels, and the ambitious goals laid out in her strategic plan. Plus, Ellen reveals the secret sauce of success found in some of South Carolina's Title 1 schools and introduces us to initiatives like the Hope Network and the CARE program.

Tune in to hear how Ellen Weaver is not just keeping her head above water, but swimming upstream to ensure every child in South Carolina is prepared for college, career, or the military.

Key Moments

00:00 Education conference featuring state superintendent Ellen Weaver.

04:21 Investing in teacher training to improve literacy.

09:18 Projects to support mental health and education.

10:03 Supporting teachers, visiting schools, leading by example.

14:22 Education key to rebuilding hope in communities.

18:15 Social media age restriction and civic values.

20:11 South Carolina, known as Palmetto state.

Connect with Ellen Weaver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-weaver-53a3a269/

Website: https://ellenweaver.com/