2025 SC Education + Business Summit

Steven Watterson is the Education Associate over Architecture/Construction, Government and Public Administration, Law, Public Safety Corrections and Security and Manufacturing. He has been in Education at the Federal, State and local level for over 30 years.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing Career and Technical Education (CTE) by enhancing the learning experience and aligning educational outcomes with industry needs. AI tools can help develop resources, personalize, and learning experiences, making them invaluable in a hands-on, industry-connected field like CTE. Participants will gain practical skills in integrating AI tools into their teaching. Having a growth mindset, I believe anyone can learn anything.

The value and relevance to participants will be to gain knowledge on how this program has been vital to our students' success in all careers. The presenter, Rania P. Thompson has been sponsoring this program for four years at Woodland High School, Dorchester, SC. She is certified as a Career Specialist and a Global Career Development Facilitator. She has a Master's Degree in Physical Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.

The presenter has been in the automotive industry for over 30 years as an automotive instructor and now provides state-of-the-art automotive industry training.

Relevance of the Topic to the CTE Field:
The topic directly addresses the growing need for educator wellness, which is essential to creating positive, supportive learning environments in CTE classrooms. Educators play a pivotal role in shaping students' futures, and their emotional health is critical to their ability to effectively engage, motivate, and guide students. By focusing on journaling as a tool for emotional health, this session provides a practical, accessible strategy to help educators prioritize their own well-being, ultimately improving their capacity to support students.

Value to Participants:
This workshop will equip educators with the tools to manage stress, reflect on their emotional health, and develop strategies for maintaining balance in their personal and professional lives. Journaling offers a simple yet powerful way to process emotions, prevent burnout, and foster resilience. By integrating wellness practices into their daily routine, participants will experience enhanced emotional clarity, better self-awareness, and a stronger sense of purpose in their teaching—benefiting both their professional growth and their students' success.

Presenter Knowledge and Experience:
As a former social worker, grief recovery specialist, and journaling/life coach, I have a deep understanding of the emotional challenges that educators face. With experience in coaching and leading wellness programs, I specialize in guiding individuals through reflective practices that promote emotional well-being. I have worked with various groups, including educators, to help them prioritize self-care and integrate it into their routines for lasting impact. My expertise in journaling as a tool for personal growth will empower participants to incorporate effective wellness practices into their daily lives.

This is an opportunity to learn about collaboration across disciplines. It allows others to see the possibilities that may exist in their home districts. Presenters have district level leadership experience and inherent knowledge of both CTE and SPED programs.

By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with innovative technology-based strategies that can transform their classrooms into dynamic learning environments. The insights gained will empower educators to harness digital tools effectively, ensuring that students remain engaged and motivated in their learning journey.

Relevance of the topic to the CTE field: The critical role of CTE courses and instructors has never been more valuable, and they have a unique opportunity to increase academic skills and build student confidence and voice as we design top-notch schools moving forward.

Value to participants: This session provides teachers across any CTE course with a few highly relevant tips and strategies to improve student reading and math skills. It will be engaging and useful.


Presenter knowledge and experience. Dr. Evans is a former Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Chief Academic Officer. He supports schools in building highly relevant, cross-disciplinary, integrated curriculum models. His first book on instructional best practices debuted in 2019, and his follow up guidebook and commentary for making learning more hands-on and relevant is set for release in 2025. He is a long-time teacher and trainer. Some of the comments from a recent session included: “Amazing,” “Engaging and informative,” “Dr. Evans did a great job. Loved his humor!” and “Fantastic speaker. Funny, energetic, and sincere.”

Employability skills are important to ALL CTE areas. The information provided is of great value as it shows how these skills are currently being used in CTE programs at the career center that I teach. The participants are able to take the information presented and apply it to their classrooms. Participants will be provided with examples of how it has been used in current classrooms and how students have improved on the skills because of the grading. They will also be provided with examples of how the presenter has used it in their classroom for the last 6 school years with ways it has helped students. The presenter will also provide images of the rubric they use and how it is used for grading purposes along with feedback given to the student on their performance for a weekly basis.

Allowing students the opportunity to take classes that will bring them into the education field is valuable. Ed Rising can be taught in a CTE setting as an Education 101 or 102 class or can be an academic club that provides information for those interested in pursuing education. Presenter knowledge is 2 years with Ed Rising and 37 years teaching experience.

Color thru Health Science is of extreme relevance and value to a Health Science classroom/program. The foundation of any health science classroom is the Human Body- Color thru Human body gives an additional resource to the classroom teacher to engage students in learning this content.
Color thru Healthcare Careers can be used in Middle School and Foundations of Health Science classes.
Color thru PCT and Pharmacy Tech will carry students through each major topic of knowledge needed to pass the National Exams and become well-equipped medical professionals.
These simple printable/downloadable color pages are a treasured resource for Health Science teachers.
I have been an RN for 21 years and a Health Science Teacher for 8 years. I have been actively involved with HOSA- awarded AL HOSA Advisor of the Year, as well as, had students compete on the International Level for the past 4 years.

I manage the Information Technology Cluster and Computer Science initiatives.
Information provided for CTE program implementation. Program completion requirements are presented. Computer Science courses that satisfy the graduation requirements are presented. New initiatives will be introduced.