About Us

Elizabeth Scarbrough serves as the Director of Personalized Professional Learning for CarolinaCrED at USC’s College of Education and the Director of the SC Writing Improvement Network. With a career in education starting in 2005, Elizabeth brings her experience as a former instructional coach to her role. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative school culture, empowering teacher leaders, and promoting professional learning and growth.

Elizabeth graduated from the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications. She holds National Board Certification in Early Adolescence: English Language Arts and a master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Inspired by the mentors who shaped her journey, she believes reflection is key to deep understanding, continuous improvement, and empowerment. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has supported teachers through learning communities, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation. She has always loved coaching new teachers, and her most humbling learning experiences came from four former students who became teachers right down the hall.

At CarolinaCrED and the SC Writing Improvement Network, Elizabeth is excited to continue building teacher capacity and leadership among South Carolina educators. In her students’ yearbooks, she often signed off with John Muir’s quote, “The sun shines not on us, but in us,” reflecting her belief in nurturing inner potential through her interactions with colleagues, students, family, and friends. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her boys at baseball games, reading, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Floyd Dinkins currently serves as the principal at Sandy Run K-8 school in Calhoun County. Previously, he has served as the ELA/MTSS coordinator for the School District of Newberry County. He has also been a school administrator for Lexington 2 School District. He served as the Communications Chairman for the Palmetto State Literacy Association. He also currently serves as Councilman for the Town of Pine Ridge in Lexington County.

Currently serving as the Assistant Principal for Athletics at Stratford High School in Goose Creek, Dr. Burnette has a background as a high school English teacher with 13 years of experience, primarily in English 1. He has taught across a diverse range of schools in the South Carolina Lowcountry and continues to teach classes through VirtualSC.

A native of Barnwell, SC, and a graduate of Winthrop University, Keisha Gaskins brings 25 years of experience to the field. With a career that includes roles as a teacher, mentor, evaluator, and interventionist, she believes in the power of knowledge to drive growth. Guided by the mantra, “The more you know, the more you grow,” she is committed to fostering educational development in school communities.

A graduate of Coastal Carolina University with an M.Ed. in English Education, Kim Gross brings 30 years of teaching experience in middle and high schools across Charleston and Georgetown Counties. Since 2012, she has served as an instructional coach, dedicated to enhancing educational quality for schools, teachers, and students. She is an active member of the South Carolina Council for Teachers of English and The Reading League of South Carolina. She has completed the Coastal Area Writing Project at CCU, which deepened her commitment to critical thinking, effective communication, and language mastery through writing. As a literacy advocate, she is committed to empowering individuals through reading and fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Eric L. Jeffcoat is in his thirtieth year in education and is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools for Aiken County Public School District. His career spans roles as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at elementary and middle school levels. He holds a Bible teaching certificate, a Master’s in Teaching, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. A proud father of four, Eric is also actively involved in his church, serving in various leadership roles.

Dr. Emily Kimpton is a seasoned educator who currently serves as the Secondary English Language Arts, World Language, and AVID Coordinator in Sumter School District in Sumter, SC, where she has been serving since 2012. She oversees the certification and implementation of AVID at nine schools, develops district curriculum and assessments, and spearheads professional development initiatives in literacy and instructional best practices. Her career highlights include facilitating professional learning communities as a Literacy Coach for Anderson School District 5, teaching as an adjunct professor at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, and presenting at numerous educational conferences, including Palmetto State Literacy Association and SC Council of Teachers of English. Dr. Emily Kimpton holds a Ph.D. in Language & Literacy and multiple certifications and SC Department of Education endorsements, reflecting her commitment to literacy education and leadership. Additionally, she has actively contributed to various professional committees and served as the President of the South Carolina Literacy Leaders and the Sumter Literacy Council.

Dr. Kendra Lynn has worked in education in South Carolina for over a decade with experience K-12, as a Classroom Teacher, Interventionist, District Instructional Coach, Curriculum Consultant, and Literacy Coordinator across various districts in the areas of English language arts, math, and technology integration. She received her undergrad degree from the University of South Carolina, her master’s degree from Columbia College, and her Doctorate degree from Gardner-Webb University.

Dawn Johnson Mitchell currently serves as the ELA Director for Spartanburg School District 6 where she supports teachers across all grade levels, from preschool to high school English. In addition to her work with Spartanburg District Six, Dawn also works as an adjunct instructor at USC Upstate and Furman University. Since 2000 Dawn has served as a teacher consultant with the Spartanburg Writing Project, housed at USC Upstate. Dawn is committed to being an advocate and a source of support for the teachers and students she works with.

With over twenty years of experience in elementary education, Dr. Palmer is committed to teaching and learning. She holds degrees from Clemson University, Walden University, Gardner Webb University, and Columbia International University. With a degree in K-12 Administration, Dr. Palmer believes in top tier school leadership and excellence in SC schools.

Jarette Pendergrass is a dedicated educator based in South Carolina with extensive experience in the field of education. A graduate of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, Jarette has spent several years shaping young minds throughout the state. Currently serving as a principal in the Upstate region, Jarette is passionate about education and dedicated to creating opportunities that empower the next generation of leaders.

In addition to being a wife and mom to two wonderful boys, Lacey Rabon brings over 14 years of experience in Kindergarten, first, and second grades, along with roles as a Reading Interventionist and Coach. Beyond the classroom, she actively contributes to the school community through the Parent Teacher Organization, School Improvement Council, and Leadership Team. A dedicated teacher and coach, she is driven by a desire to give every student the gift of literacy and the opportunity to learn, regardless of their background.

Lesley Snyder is the Associate Director for the Center for Educational Partnerships at the College of Education, University of South Carolina. With over 10 years of teaching experience in middle-level English and as the South Carolina Milken Award recipient in 2021, she brings extensive expertise in creating innovative learning experiences. She has worked with the University of South Carolina to develop project-based learning curriculum and professional development. Lesley holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Foundation and Inquiry.

Rikki Benjamin is devoted to ensuring all students have the literacy skills needed for academic success and personal well-being and supporting educators striving for the same. Rikki has spent her career working in different roles. She has worked as a teacher, a Reading Coach, and now as a Literacy Specialist with the Office of Early Learning and Literacy at the South Carolina Department of Education. Her motto is to believe in yourself, spread joy, inspire others, never stop learning, and celebrate every tiny victory! When Rikki isn’t working, she is happiest spending quality time with her family and enjoying the beautiful Lowcountry weather and lifestyle.

Kendra Lynn has worked in education in South Carolina for over a decade with experience K-12, as a Classroom Teacher, Interventionist, District Instructional Coach, Curriculum Consultant, and Literacy Coordinator across various districts in the areas of English language arts, math, and technology integration. She received her undergrad degree from the University of South Carolina, her master’s degree from Columbia College, and her Doctorate degree from Gardner-Webb University.

With over 20 years of experience in elementary education, Dr. Palmer is committed to teaching and learning. She holds degrees from Clemson University, Walden University, Gardner Webb University, and Columbia International University. With a degree in K-12 Administration, Dr. Palmer believes top-tier school leadership and excellence in SC schools.

Jenn is passionate about all things coaching! She is a self-professed nerd and a member of the slow runners club. She has partnered with the SC Writing Improvement Network to work towards coaching and writing improvement goals.