Grow Teacher Leaders From the Start: How Teacher Candidates Engage and Explore with an edWeb Professional Learning Community

About the Presenters

Dr. Becky McCraw received her Ph.D. in language and literacy from the University of South Carolina and is currently an Assistant Professor at Converse University in Spartanburg, SC, where she teaches preservice teachers. She retired from Cherokee County Schools after serving for 33 years as a classroom teacher and literacy coach. During her career, she taught both third and fifth grade before becoming a literacy coach. She is an active member of NCTE and ILA and has presented at numerous national and state conventions. She has served as a reviewer for the NCTE Books Program and the NCTE journal, Language Arts. She has also served on numerous advisory boards and committees for NCTE, ILA, and ReadWriteThink, and currently serves as the chair of the Literacy Leaders in Higher Education Committee for the Palmetto State Literacy Association, the SC affiliate of ILA. Her research interests include early childhood literacy development and professional learning communities. When not teaching, Dr. McCraw enjoys spending time with her family, reading, singing in her church choir, and playing bells in the bell choir.

Sarah Mitchell is beginning her senior year at Converse University, where she is pursuing a degree in early childhood education. As a wife, mother of two, and nontraditional college student, she is grateful for the opportunity to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Sarah hopes to create a classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn. She believes meaningful relationships, curiosity, and encouragement help children build confidence both in and beyond the classroom. Through her own journey, she hopes to inspire others to believe it’s never too late to pursue their dreams. Outside of school, Sarah enjoys gardening, cooking, exploring new places, and spending time with her family.

Sophia Pollard is a proud New England native and an early childhood education major at Converse University, with a passion for education, leadership, and community engagement. Throughout her time at Converse, she has served as a Student Orientation Coordinator, Communications Intern, and Campus Leader. Sophia is passionate about creating welcoming environments and inspiring others through service and collaboration. She plans to begin her career as an elementary educator before pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership at Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of the classroom, Sophia enjoys attending concerts, discovering new coffee shops, and shopping with friends and family. She believes meaningful relationships, lifelong learning, and strong leadership are the foundation for making a positive impact. Whether she’s welcoming new students, creating engaging content, or working with children, Sophia is dedicated to helping others grow, connect, and succeed.

Sandry Perez is a Spartanburg native and recent graduate of Converse University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and education from Wofford College. Sandry is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging classrooms where every student feels seen, supported, and encouraged to succeed. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with students and finding ways to connect learning to their interests. This fall, she is excited to begin her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at Cleveland Academy of Leadership in Spartanburg School District 7.