Overview of the ELE Program
Education Leaders Experience (ELE) is a ten-month community-based outreach program for South Carolina education professionals. The ELE program was created by Colonial Life in 2016 and is administered in partnership with the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP) at the University of South Carolina with facilitation technical assistance by Verbalizing Visions, LLC. The program has over 180 graduates and serves 9 of South Carolina’s counties and over 20 public school systems. In late July, the ELE program welcomed its Iota Cohort participants during an opening retreat, which included two days of leading and learning at the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Collaboration Zone.
Day 1: Embracing Discomfort and Intrigue
Marie McGehee, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Colonial Life, welcomed participants and highlighted the program’s mission to equip leaders with the insights needed to effectively navigate and influence the evolving educational landscape that supports the skills and talents needed in today’s workforce. Cindy Van Buren, Director of the Center for Educational Partnerships, set the stage by emphasizing the College of Education’s unwavering commitment to educators, urging participants to “embrace discomfort” as a catalyst for growth across the retreat.
Iota Cohort participants gearing up for a productive day.
The day continued with an insightful session led by Ron Harvey, a Certified Leadership Coach and vice President and COO of Global Core Strategies and Consulting. His wisdom and experience captivated the audience. Ron’s philosophy centers around the transformative power of inquiry, encapsulated in his quote, “Questions change the world, not statements.” This idea set the tone for the session, encouraging participants to embrace curiosity and ask the questions that drive meaningful change.
Ron shared a series of impactful insights that resonated deeply with the educators:
- “No matter how good you are, you must be better tomorrow.” This call to continuous improvement inspired participants to strive for excellence every day.
- “If you’re not uncomfortable, chances are you’re not growing.” Ron challenged the group to embrace discomfort as a necessary part of personal and professional growth.
Beyond these powerful statements, Ron emphasized the importance of presence and engagement, urging everyone to “be where your feet are” and fully commit their head and heart to the present moment. He also highlighted the concept of “relationship equity,” comparing it to a credit score where deposits must outnumber withdrawals, building trust and strong connections over time. He also emphasized that participants follow the Platinum Rule in their positions – treating others how they want to be treated, considering their unique backgrounds and preferences. Reflective discussions allowed participants to delve into their personal goals and aspirations, considering how the session’s insights would impact their leadership approach.
Photo: Group discussion during the reflection session.
Ron and his team led the Iota Cohort through multiple interactivities. One participant found his team’s “Sharing the Vision” activity incredibly impactful. The activity required participants to lead their team in recreating a poster that no one in the group could see. This highlighted the leader’s role in developing and sharing a vision while allowing their team to carry the vision. Krysten Douglas reflected,
“This activity drove home several reflective moments for me as a leader. First, we lead through our strengths. And lean into those strengths. Second, other leaders add to our experiences. Lean into recognizing those enhancements. The end product was so much stronger and much more complete because of the efforts and commitments of the group, not just one single leader.”
Participants engaged in the poster activity, working collaboratively without leader intervention.
The day concluded with an evening social hour at Hyatt Place and a hands-on cooking event at Let’s Cook Columbia. These events provided an informal setting for networking and camaraderie, allowing participants to build lasting connections. David McDonald shared, “Being new to the area, I look forward to accessing this network of talent and knowledge to help me grow and learn new ideas and resources available to help grow and learn.”
Attendees at the evening activity, engaging in lively conversation and building connections.
Day 2: Future-Focused Leadership and Learning
The second day began with a warm welcome back and an outline of graduation expectations, setting an enthusiastic tone for the day’s activities.
One of the highlights was the session facilitated by Dr. P. Ann Byrd, Executive Director & Lead Strategist, SC TEACHER. Participants were offered a comprehensive evaluation of leadership styles and effectiveness, providing participants with valuable insights into their leadership capabilities. Susan Hendricks noted, “The leadership assessment helped me examine my areas of strength and areas of opportunity for growth. I will use these results to improve my interactions with my team and get uncomfortable.”
These evaluations didn’t just stop at identifying strengths and weaknesses; they provided actionable insights that participants could take back to their districts. Carolyn Donelan appreciated this opportunity for reflection, stating, “The leadership assessment provided an opportunity for me to reflect on my leadership strengths and concerns. I plan on sharing these results with my staff to discuss ways to follow the Platinum Rule and flex my style to fit their needs.” This session created a platform for leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about their personal growth and how it could translate into their professional environments.
Participants engaged in the poster activity, working collaboratively without leader intervention.
Participants gather to discuss strengths and growth areas based on their leadership style.
Elizabeth Scarbrough, Director of Personalized Professional Learning, CarolinaCrED, and Libby Ortmann, Micro-credential Support Specialist, CarolinaCrED, introduced the concept of personalized professional learning through micro-credentials, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and adaptation. This session underscored the need for leaders to remain flexible and open to new learning opportunities. Participants in the cohort are encouraged to complete a micro-credential throughout the program. Sid Parrish, one of the Iota Cohort members, already knows his micro-credential and shared, “After reflecting on the presentations by Ron Harvey and team, and the leadership style assessment, I will complete the micro-credential in managing change.”
A compelling testimony by Dr. Reggie Wicker, Director of Human Resources for School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, titled “My Leadership Journey,” inspired attendees with real-world experiences and insights, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and vision in leadership. Dr. Wicker shared, “When you come into spaces and places, you never know what someone’s going through.” He emphasized that the people who supported him in his journey while showing empathy never allowed him to lower his expectations. This balanced approach of support and high standards was pivotal in his development. Dr. Wicker also reminded everyone, “Don’t take for granted the role that you play in a child’s life,” underscoring educators’ profound impact on their students. Inspired by Dr. Wickers’s testimony, Deanna Taylor shared that she determined her list of influencers and planned to send a token of appreciation to each person.
Participants explore micro-credentials to determine which to complete.
Dr. Reggie Wicker shares his leadership journey.
The ELE Opening Retreat provided a foundational experience for the Iota Cohort, fostering collaboration, growth, and reflection. The diverse insights and experiences shared over the two days set the stage for a year of impactful leadership development and community building. Felicia Madden encapsulated the spirit of the retreat, saying, “ELE allowed me the time and space to be around a diverse group of educators to gain knowledge and ideas to take back to my district. I am excited to make new relationships and connections to move my district forward.”
Special thanks to Dupre Catering and Publico-Bull Street for ensuring our participants were well cared for and Hyatt Place in the Vista for hosting us for two days.