In The SCEA, there’s no D or R only E

Since 1967, The South Carolina Education Association (yes, the “The” is always capitalized) has stood as a pioneer in public education.

As the first professional organization of its kind in the United States willing to integrate, The SCEA demonstrated a commitment to ensuring every child has access to quality education and every educator is supported and valued. Our history is one of resilience, progress, and an unwavering commitment to educational equity.

As president of The SCEA, I am honored to lead an organization with such a rich history.

Over the past year, I have listened to educators across South Carolina and heard stories of both progress and persistent challenges. I have also listened to parents and guardians who are concerned about their children’s public schools and want to ensure educators have the resources and support needed for students to thrive.

Our mission is clear: advocate for equitable resources, fair compensation, and safe, nurturing learning environments.

Achieving these goals requires all of us — educators, administrators, parents, families, and community members — to work together. Public education must remain a unifying force for the public good.

In The SCEA, there are no D’s or R’s — only E’s: Education.

Our commitment is to build bridges, foster understanding, and keep children at the center of every conversation.

We must protect the dignity and value of educators while working together to strengthen the schools our communities depend upon.

Political labels and partisan divides should never prevent us from finding common ground on behalf of our children.

The SCEA Fund for Children and Public Education engages at the local, state, and federal levels on policies affecting public education. More than 90% of South Carolina’s children attend public schools, including 95% of students requiring specialized instructional support.

The decisions made by elected officials directly affect these students, their families, and the educators who serve them.

During my first year as president, I participated in candidate interviews and reviewed questionnaires addressing public education issues. The experience reinforced an important truth: The SCEA’s commitment is not to a political party.

Regardless of party affiliation, we hope that beginning in January, elected officials and their agencies will choose collaboration over division and work with us to strengthen public education.

To encourage meaningful dialogue, The SCEA will host nine town halls through March 2027, bringing together students, families, educators, and elected officials to listen, learn, and discuss the future of public education. They are free and open to the public:

• Sept. 22, Spartanburg
• Sept. 24, Charleston
• Oct. 1, York
• Oct. 30, Columbia
• Jan. 7, Beaufort
• Jan. 21, Orangeburg
• Feb. 4, Florence
• March 4, Myrtle Beach
• March 15, Abbeville

The road ahead demands courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our children and our communities. I invite every stakeholder to join us in this vital work.

Because when it comes to education, there are no D’s or R’s — only E’s: Education.

Together, let us pursue equity, excellence, and opportunity for every child in every South Carolina public school.