SCC Leadership celebrates Read Across America with Edgewood Elementary
As part of Read Across America Week and the celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Southeastern Community College leadership visited Edgewood Elementary School on Tuesday, March 3, to support literacy and learning through guest readers and classroom activities.
Dr. Chris English, SCC President, Dr. Brandon Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, and Ibreta Jackson, Vice President of Administrative Services and Chief Operating Officer, were invited to participate as guest readers as Edgewood Elementary celebrated reading throughout the week.
During the visit, SCC leaders read to third grade classrooms and spoke with students about who they are and why education matters at every stage. Students were encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts, creating an interactive experience that carried from one classroom to the next.
Dr. English read Curious George Goes to the Aquarium and used the opportunity to connect reading with long term goals, emphasizing the value of early encouragement. For him, participating in Read Across America was important “to engage our young people in college and what we have to offer, but also to encourage them in their academic careers,” he said.
Dr. Jenkins shared Little Prickles, a story centered on embracing who you are, and used the reading to talk with students about confidence and self acceptance. He also spoke about the importance of building a strong foundation for learning early in life.
“You are establishing a foundation for education,” Jenkins said. “Teaching these kids a love of reading in second and third grade instills lifelong learning and helps them value education not just for the outcome, but what it means for their life and the opportunities it gives them to be successful.”
Mrs. Jackson read Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon and enjoyed the opportunity to interact directly with students, sharing that seeing their excitement during the reading was her favorite part of the visit.
Throughout the morning, students were eager to participate. During classroom discussions, Dr. English asked students about their favorite subject, with many quickly responding that math was their top choice. When he asked what they enjoyed most about school, students in both classrooms shared the same answer. Their teacher. The moment highlighted the powerful role educators play in shaping student confidence, curiosity, and success.
Southeastern Community College is proud to prepare future educators to enter the workforce ready to make a difference in classrooms like those at Edgewood Elementary. Through its Teacher Preparation program, SCC is committed to developing professionals who support literacy, inspire learning, and strengthen communities. Those interested in pursuing a career in education can learn more about SCC’s Teacher Preparation program by clicking here!
Southeastern Community College is grateful to Edgewood Elementary for the invitation and the opportunity to celebrate Read Across America Week while recognizing the educators who make a lasting impact in classrooms each day.
