Public Education Partners

We're excited to welcome Furman student Tyler Pool as our intern this summer through the Riley Institute Summer Experience (RISE) program. She'll be splitting her internship experience between PEP and Urban League of the Upstate.

Tyler, a double major in politics/international affairs and sociology, will be supporting the development of a Parent Support Network navigation tool this summer. She'll also be creating marketing materials and supporting planning for PEP fall programs.

"As a child of two public school educators, I've always been passionate about protecting public education..." said Tyler, who is planning a career in education policy.

We were happy to join the Upstate Circle of Friends’ annual Summer Break Café this week! In celebration of their annual summer feeding programs, the Upstate Circle of Friends and their partners provided crafting and gardening activities, lunch, and free produce boxes for families in Greenville. The families in attendance also walked away with free books provided by PEP, encouraging fun summer reading!

📸Photos: Loaves & Fishes/Wakesha Fogle

A billboard was where it all began for Instructional Technology Facilitator Jasmine Ford.

Ten years ago, Jasmine Ford joined the very first GATE cohort. Today, she helps teachers and students across Greenville County Schools explore robotics, coding, and innovative learning.

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of GATE this year, we're proud of the hundreds of educators who have found their path to teaching through this program.

👉 Read Jasmine's inspiring story: https://pepgc.org/category/elevate-teachers/

School's out, but the stories continue.

We're looking for Greenville County Schools teachers who are spending their summer in unique, inspiring, creative, or unexpected ways!

Tell us about a teacher who is:
• Visiting an interesting destination
• Working an unusual summer job
• Running a small business
• Pursuing a passion project
• Volunteering in the community
• Learning a new skill
• Completing a major goal
• Doing something unexpected

Is this you or perhaps a friend? Tag them below or send us a message at [email protected]. Their story might become part of our summer series!

Such a wonderful way to wrap up the school year! We recently brought together educators from Teacher Fellows, Teacher Forum, and the Teacher Advisory Council for a little fellowship, networking, and celebration at our PEP Social.

Photo 1: Erin Rigot, Yolanda Crittendon-Jones, Taylor McLeer, Renee Brown, & Bre McGill. Photo 2: Izzy Snider, Caitlin Scott, Candice Collins, Catherine Schumacher, & Tracy LeGrand.

Thank you all for everything you do for students, schools, and our community. Enjoy a well-deserved summer break! ☀️

📚 ATTENTION FIRST YEAR TEACHERS! 📚

Starting your classroom library can be expensive — The Open Book Project is here to help!

First year teachers in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens Counties are invited to receive FREE gently used books for their classroom libraries while supplies last.

📖 Books available for elementary, middle, and high school students
📅 Appointments available beginning June 1
📍 By appointment only
📍 213 E. 1st Avenue, Easley, SC

To schedule a time or request more information, please email:
📧 [email protected]

Donations from our community help put books directly into the hands of students and teachers. We are honored to support educators as they begin their teaching journey!

Our volunteers make so much of our work at PEP possible and we loved taking a moment to celebrate you over coffee this month. From left are Christine Scott, Maile Takata, Becca Fox, Becca Fowler, Wendy Thacker, Jason Richards, and Sarah Bell.

Thank you for giving your time, energy, and heart to support students, teachers, and public schools in Greenville. We are grateful for every hour you serve and every way you show up for PEP. 💜

As we head into summer, we’re wrapping up Season 1 of Simple Civics Ed Talks with a reflection on the conversations that stayed with us most. ❤️

In this year-in-review episode, Catherine Schumacher, Erin Rigot, and Mary Leslie Anderson look back on favorite moments and what they’re excited to explore in Season 2. Listen in: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/episodes/edtalks-looking-back-moving-forward-reflecting-on-season-1

We’re taking a short summer hiatus and will be back in August. ☀️🎙️

We’ve started a list of ideas for next season, but we’d love yours too. What should we explore next in our podcast?

Baseball + community + family fun added up to a great night at Fluor Field! ⚾

We loved celebrating Bank of Travelers Rest’s 80th anniversary and connecting with so many community members at our table. Thanks for stopping by to learn more about our work!

Cue the summer playlists ☀️🎶
The final bell has rung, and summer break is officially here!

Have an amazing summer, everyone! 😎