Facilitators

TeacherLine Southeast Facilitators:

Kimberly Avant

Kimberly Avant has served as the media specialist at Hemingway High School in Hemingway, SC, for the past seven years and counting. She has a bachelor's degree in English from Francis Marion University, and prior to becoming a media specialist, she worked as an English instructor at Florence Darlington Technical College in Florence, SC. She received her Masters of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina with her post graduate work focusing almost exclusively on technology.

”I enjoy reading a good novel and love the summers when I can kick back on the beach and read. I also like to shop and work outside in my yard. I hope that you find your Teacherline course to be a productive learning experience! “

Elizabeth Beard

My name is Elizabeth Beard. I am married, live in Florence, SC, and I have two little boys---(one is 2 1/2 and one is 4 months old - as of Feb 2008). Besides being at home with my boys, I teach online for Midlands Technical College and PBS TeacherLine, and I also do private tutoring. I really enjoy being able to teach online because I am able to do everything I love (teaching and being a mom) at the same time.

Before deciding to stay at home, I taught elementary school for five years---3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. It's funny to think that I am actually busier now than I was with a full time job!

I got my masters degree in Educational Technology through an online program from Boise State University. I really enjoyed the online element of it because it was so flexible. From the program, I developed an interest in online learning and the use of technology. Technology is a wonderful thing---you are able to learn while you continue your regular routine!

Kelly Gump

My name is Kelly Gump and I have been with TeacherLine since 2004. I received my BS in zoology from The Ohio State University and my masters in Educational Administration from Baldwin Wallace College. I have taught high school and middle school math and science. I have also served as a mentor program coordinator for new teachers.

I love working with TeacherLine. The flexibility is wonderful and the caliber of content is top notch. I have been fortunate to work in distance education for years now, first with Educate Online and now with PBS. I cannot think of a more convenient way for educators to earn CEU’s or graduate credit. I truly enjoy the interaction with learners and I know they gain valuable insight from each course.

I am married to Kerry who is a Captain in the Marine Corps. We currently reside in NC with our two young sons Jake and Sam and our dog Apple.

Betsy Long

Betsy Long is the Media Specialist at Doby's Mill Elementary School in Lugoff, SC. She has happily held this position since the school opened its doors six years ago. She presents regularly at conferences around the state on technology and media related topics. She is the Treasurer of her district's local chapter of the IRA.

Betsy received her Bachelor degree in English & her Master of Library Science degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. She completed her Masters +30 degree in large part through completing PBS TeacherLine courses. Having enjoyed so many wonderful TeacherLine courses, she is thrilled to be a TeacherLine facilitator, furthering her online learning in this capacity.

Betsy lives in Camden with her husband, her beautiful baby girl, and her two crazy hound dogs, where she works hard to regularly engage in what she believes are the 3 R's that lead to a happy life: Reading, Running, and Relaxing with family & friends.

Elaine McClure

Born and raised in Columbia, SC, Elaine McClure received her BA from the University of SC, her Masters from the University of Alabama and her Ph.D. from USC. For the past 31 years she has taught at Fort Jackson, first as a resource teacher and then as a fifth grade teacher, retiring May 2004. A few months later, she accepted a position with Morris College in Sumter, SC, as an Associate Professor and the Elementary Education Program Coordinator.

“I try to teach my future teachers with as much practicality as possible. By helping them develop units and activities that support the national standards, I feel that I can provide them with a firm foundation wherever they may go to teach.”

Elaine belongs to numerous state and national organizations that promote teaching and she constantly gathers ideas from them as well as presents sessions to them. She has received several local and national awards honoring her contributions to education during the past years.

Beth Phillips

Beth Phillips, a resident of Gaffney, SC, has lived there most of her life except for a few whirlwind years in California, Virginia, and Italy. She has been an educator for 17 years, the first 10 teaching junior high and high school English. After becoming frazzled from grading student essays, she decided to make use of her master’s degree in library science working as a media specialist in an elementary and high school setting.

Beth now serves as the Coordinator for the Distance Education Learning Center (DELC) for the Cherokee County School District. Her job allows her to work with teachers, administrators, and SCETV personnel to meet the specific needs of teachers and students in the district.

“My hobbies include, well…used to include…running, gardening, and antiquing. I am married and have four children, ages 18, 11, 5, and 22 months. Needless to say, their interests and activities are quite diverse allowing me little time for hobbies. I look forward to collaborating with all of you! “

Hope Quilal-Ian

Hope Quilal-lan has been a facilitator for Teacherline since November 2002. In addition to facilitating courses, she also teaches 5th grade Science and Language Arts. Before that, she taught 8th grade Science and also 3rd and 4th grade classes. Before teaching in a classroom, she taught at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens of SC.

Hope received both her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and her graduate degree in Natural Science from the University of South Carolina. “Go Gamecocks!” She is married to Arren, has a four month old son, Collin, and three dachshunds (Ginger, Roxy and Molly.) She enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading.

Alethea Setser

Alethea Setser is currently at home with her youngest son, but she has taught in grades preK-12 and worked as a technology resource teacher for the past 13 years. She has worked for Teacherline since 2003, and monitors the TECH 101 orientation course for TeacherLine.

Alethea’s education includes: Bachelor of Arts, Clemson University, Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics; Masters of Education, Converse College, Gifted and Talented Education; Masters plus thirty in Technology and Mathematics.

“The format and flexibility of TeacherLine courses drew me in, but the discussion boards and content kept me coming back! I enjoy exchanging ideas with teachers all over the country. It’s incredible to feel the connectedness of teachers all over the country. TeacherLine is an amazing community!”

Robin Shuler

Robin Shuler has been facilitating Teacherline local and national courses since 2004. This is her second year as media specialist at Marshall Elementary School in Orangeburg, SC. Robin has taught for the past 20 years. She has a BS and Masters Degree in Elementary Education. May 2008, she will receive a second Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. She enjoys reading, sports, and surfing the Internet. Robin believes Teacherline courses are wonderful ways to "meet" other teachers and learn new ideas. She completed her +30 in 2003 through taking Teacherline courses.

"Teacherline courses are great for teachers/parents who don't really have time to sit in a classroom during specific times. The great thing about these courses is the fact that you can find so many different ideas and techniques to integrate into your classroom. Once you try these courses, you'll never want to sit in another graduate classroom."

Sally Sobelewski

Sally Sobolewski is a third grade teacher at Lone Oak Elementary School in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She has a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and has been teaching at that level for seven years. Prior to moving to South Carolina six years ago, she lived in New York and taught technology classes at Pace University.

Sally also teaches after-school technology workshops to her district’s faculty. She has a husband, two grown sons, a fat basset hound and a black lab mix. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sewing, knitting, and playing Frisbee with her dogs.

Charlotte Thornton

Charlotte Thornton has facilitated PBS courses since 2005. She is a 6th grade science teacher in Greenville County Schools, SC. She earned her Elementary Education B.A. from the University of South Carolina, Upstate, and her M.A. in Middle Level Science from Furman University. While working on her masters degree, she began taking online TeacherLine courses and earned her +30 almost at the same time. Most recently Charlotte became a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent Science. She is an advocate for using technology in the classroom as a tool for student understanding in all subject areas and frequently presents conference sessions on various technology tools.

"The best thing about facilitating TeacherLine courses is the flexibility to manage my own time. The online environment is supportive, collaborative and enjoyable. I get to meet classroom teachers from all over the country (sometimes other countries, Ethiopia right now...) and realize that we all have the same basic questions and concerns about teaching today."

Margaret Walden

Margaret Walden lives in Columbia, S.C. She graduated from Winthrop University with both a BA and MA. Margaret has been an educator for 37 years: in the high school social studies classroom, at the S.C. Department of Education, at a national satellite distance-learning consortium, as a high school administrator, and now in a district office. Presently she works as the Coordinator of Instructional Programs in Richland School District Two. District administrators wear a lot of hats, but director of the virtual high school is Margaret's favorite. She and Ray have been married for 37 years. They have two married children and a six year old granddaughter.

"When I'm not playing with my granddaughter or sitting at my computer, I love to work in my yard - I grow roses. Ray and I also enjoy fishing. I'm always excited about teaching a TeacherLine course and having the opportunity to share ideas and information with such a wide cadre of teachers."

Lisa Wills

I am currently starting my 20th year of teaching science in South Carolina. All my years have been at the high school level except one. I spent that year in 7th grade and quickly went back to high school. I have 3 children. Their ages are 15, 11, and 3!

I have been facilitating PBS classes for two years and LOVE IT!

"TeacherLine courses allow you to work in a virtual classroom setting with other professionals from around the country. Sharing ideas, struggles, and successes on current, relevant topics. That makes for an AWESOME learning experience for the teachers and translates into success for the students!"