MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – This summer Santee Cooper provided hands-on experience in critical fields of the energy industry to nine Berkeley County educators, as part of the 29th annual Energy Educators Institute series at the Wampee Conference Center in Pinopolis, S.C.
“I have learned so much about the variety of topics this week that have enhanced my knowledge so I can better my students,” said Erin Page, a seventh grade mathematics and science teacher at Berkeley Middle School. “Also, I have found useful resources in the community via Santee Cooper that I can teach in the classroom.”
More than 70 educators from across the state participated in this graduate level course, receiving interdisciplinary materials while gaining new knowledge and understanding about complex topics, including the production of electricity and the opportunities and challenges of renewable energy. This was illustrated through field experiences and tours of Santee Cooper facilities.
Santee Cooper held three institutes this summer. Each of the four-day institutes included trips to Santee Cooper’s Jefferies Generating Station, the Old Santee Canal Park and industrial customer Alcoa-Mt. Holly. Teachers also participated in hands-on learning activities and unit planning sessions, and they connected directly with Santee Cooper experts on topics such as energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, environmental resources, power generation, transmission, distribution, electrical safety, water quality and utility economics.
Also in attendance were Gwen Burbage, a 4K, first and second grades teacher at Berkeley Elementary School; Monica Overstreet, a third and fourth grades mathematics, science and
writing teacher at College Park Elementary School; Janet Shilan, a third grade mathematics, science and writing teacher at College Park Elementary School; David Thomas, a seventh grade science teacher at Berkeley Middle School; Shirley Thomas, an eighth mathematics and science teacher at Berkeley Middle School; Rebecca Kirby, a band teacher at Macedonia Middle School; Kathryn Jones, an environmental science and biology teacher at Berkeley High School; and Gretchen Kondroski, a kindergarten teacher at Sangaree Elementary School.
“The Energy Educators Institute provides an optimum environment where educators with diverse teaching backgrounds from across the state come together to share ideas and experiences,” said Barbara Allen, Santee Cooper’s director of educational programs. “Not only are they provided access to a broad range of resources from Santee Cooper for enhancing student learning but they leave the Institute with a new network of professional colleagues.”
Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power producer, largest Green Power generator and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper powers South Carolina.
To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com.
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