Ellen Weaver State Superintendent of Education | South Carolina Department of Education
The South Carolina Department of Education is introducing new educational materials that highlight notable figures in the state's history, starting with Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. This initiative aims to bring stories of South Carolina heroes and history makers into classrooms across the state.
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver commemorated Dr. Bethune's 150th birthday by visiting her birthplace in Mayesville, South Carolina. During this visit, Weaver announced a series of instructional resources focusing on significant South Carolinians like Dr. Bethune.
"Mary McLeod Bethune was an education entrepreneur who dared to dream of a better future. But she didn’t just dream; she acted – often at great personal risk and expense," Weaver stated. "Yet she persevered because she understood the power of education to change lives and open the world. She opened the doors of educational and employment opportunity for many, especially young African American women who had long been denied. Her story of achievement, determination, and hope sets a pioneering example for South Carolina students to follow, today and for generations to come."
Dr. Bethune will be the first individual highlighted in the department's Palmetto Civics Project "Palmetto Pioneer" series. These resources are designed to educate and inspire students by showcasing the impactful stories and legacies of pioneering South Carolinians.
These supplementary materials will be available to schools at no cost, aiming to enhance students' understanding and appreciation of South Carolina's rich heritage.
Alerts Sign-up