Polk County Early College made its mark on the national stage last month when three educators traveled to Winston-Salem for the National Early College Summit, joining hundreds of colleagues from across the country for days of professional learning, collaboration and shared best practices.
Math teacher Jessica Simo and English teacher Lisa Chapman joined PCEC Director Dr. Kim McMinn at the summit, which was made possible through a Slater Grant for Educators awarded by the Polk County Community Foundation. The trio visited exemplary early college programs and participated in workshops and professional learning opportunities provided by RTI AMAZE and the Early College Network.
Dr. McMinn also stepped into the spotlight as a featured presenter, sharing strategies for building sustainability in early college settings with educators and leaders representing 17 states – a testament to the depth of experience and innovation taking place right here in Polk County.
In addition to the formal programming, McMinn, Simo and Chapman collaborated with Dr. Marlow Artis, director of Craven County Early College and producer of Tarheel Teachers, during dedicated working sessions focused on strengthening and advancing innovative early college practices.
