Meet Our Graduates: School of Education

What CofC School of Education Graduates Are Doing Next 

Chloe Holt

Elementary Education Major in the Honors College Minoring in Psychology

Teaching elementary students at home in Massachusetts with plans to pursue a master’s degree focused on supporting multilingual learners

During her time at the College, Chloe Holt distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to culturally responsive teaching. She received the Hibernian Society Foundation Scholarship and excelled in the Honors College, where her bachelor’s essay, “Identifying Gaps in the College of Charleston’s Educator Preparation Program,” earned first place at the 2026 EXPO and informed departmental conversations about strengthening support for first‑year teachers.

Holt was also an active leader in the Panhellenic community, serving on the executive board of Sigma Kappa and later as vice president of Order of Omega. She was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma and Psi Chi, recognizing both her academic achievement and her engagement across campus.

A transformative study abroad experience in Reggio Emilia, Italy, broadened her understanding of culturally responsive and student‑centered teaching. That global perspective carried into her student‑teaching placement at Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary, a Title I school in North Charleston, where she assumed full classroom responsibilities and strengthened her confidence as an educator.

“Most importantly, my experiences within the School of Education shaped me into an intentional, knowledgeable, empathetic and confident educator,” says Holt. “Over the past four years, I have been challenged and supported by professors who encouraged me to think deeply, work diligently and continuously strive for growth. These experiences have not only prepared me for the classroom, but also shaped who I am as a person and as a future educator.”

Reece Mack

Special Education Multicategorical Major

Teaching in a self‑contained special education classroom at Spring Hill Middle School in Chapin, South Carolina

During her time at the College, Reece Mack distinguished herself through academic excellence and leadership, earning multiple scholarships, including the Life Scholarship, Teaching Fellows Scholarship, Jeremy Warren Vann Memorial Scholarship, Mary A. Lee Endowed Fellowship in Special Education and the Katherine K. Greiner Scholarship.

Beyond the classroom, she danced with the Cougarettes Dance Team and served as professional development co‑chair and later president of the Teaching Fellows. She was also a member of the Teacher Leaders Program.

“Through my classes and clinical experiences, I have developed a strong understanding of individualized instruction, behavior management and evidence-based practices for students with disabilities. I also learned how to collaborate effectively with families, school administration and staff to create meaningful learning opportunities,” she says. “Most importantly, my time in the program has helped me grow in confidence and adaptability, allowing me to enter the field ready to advocate for my students and meet their needs in a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.”

Mariana Hope Slimmer

Early Childhood Education Major

Teaching in an early childhood classroom

A four‑time President’s List honoree, Mariana Hope Slimmer balanced academic excellence with Division I athletics as a member of the women’s soccer team. She also served as social media chair for the Education Ambassadors and participated in the Cougar Launch Leadership Program.

Through her coursework and student teaching, Slimmer developed strong skills in lesson planning, classroom management and creating student‑centered instruction. Her experiences emphasized the importance of building meaningful relationships with students and families.

“Balancing my time as a student-athlete taught me a lot about discipline, time management and commitment,” she says. “Between practices, games, travel, classes, field experiences and student teaching, I learned how to stay organized, prioritize my responsibilities and make the most of the time I had. It was definitely challenging at times, but being a student-athlete helped me grow into a more resilient, dependable and hardworking person.”

Ready to Shape the Future of Education?

The School of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including the new Doctorate of Education in Learning and Inquiry in Practice, designed to meet workforce needs and prepare educators for meaningful, impactful careers.