The PSTA Podcast

Student loans can be confusing, but understanding your options can make all the difference! On this episode of The PSTA Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jeff Venables of Garritt Financial Solutions who breaks down student loan repayment, forbearance, Saving on a Valuable Education plan (SAVE), Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and what borrowers need to know to make informed financial decisions...

The PSTA Special Election Podcast Series is back for another installment. PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King and PSTA Director of Governmental Affairs, Patrick Kelly sat down with Dr. Jermaine Johnson who is running for Governor of South Carolina. Take a moment to listen to his vision for public education in South Carolina. Please listen and share this podcast episode. To learn more about his campaign,...

In the first installment of the PSTA Special Election Podcast Series, we sit down with Ellen Weaver, candidtate for South Carolina State Superintendent of Education, to hear her vision, priorities, and plans for students, educators, and public schools across our state. To learn more about Ellen Weaver, please visit www.ellenweaver.com and https://www.facebook.com/EllenforEducation .  #thepstapodca...

In the second installment of the PSTA Special Election Podcast Series, we sit down with Sylvia Wright, candidate for South Carolina State Superintendent of Education, to hear her vision, priorities, and plans for students, educators, and public schools across our state. To learn more about Sylvia Wright, please visit www.wright2026sc.com . #thepstapodcast #statesuperintendentofeducation #pstateach...

The PSTA Special Election Podcast Series is Here! PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King and PSTA Director of Governmental Affairs, Patrick Kelly kick off a special series focused on the future of public education in South Carolina. Over the next several episodes, candidates for South Carolina Governor and State Superintendent of Education will share their visions, priorities, and plans for public educatio...

In this episode, Craig King and Patrick Kelly discuss bills and issues related to public education. Those issues/bills are S. 454 - Charter School Governance, H. 5073 - Grade Floor Policies, S. 416 - Student Expulsion, The Educator Assistance Act, S. 11: State Employee Leave, H. 5126 - SC State Budget, and the ongoing issue of redistricting in South Carolina. Listen and share! #thepstapodcast #pst...

PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King sits down with the visionary leader of Richland One School District, Dr. Todd Walker. We dive deep into who he is at his core, his vision for Richland One, and the charge he received to lead transformative change in the district. Dr. Walker's vision for Richland One that is motivational, inspirational, and worth the listen. #RisingTogether #thepstapodcast #pstateach 

With a week left in the regular legislative session, Craig King and Patrick Kelly discuss bills and their chance at passing into law prior to the end of the legislative session. Specifically, they chat about the South Carolina State Budget, Charter School Governance, Grade Floor Policies, Student Behavior, and much more. Listen, share, and download this episode. #thepstapodcast #pstateach #pstaadv...

Recorded live from the 2026 SC School Improvement Council Conference, PSTA Podcast Host Craig King chats with Sandhill Elementary School's School Improvement Council who won the 2026 Dick and Tunky Riley for SIC Excellence winner. Representing their school and SIC on the podcast are Vincent Joy (Principal), Stephen Rabon (SIC President and parent), and Meghan Grady (librarian and SIC secretary. We...

Recorded live from the 2026 SC School Improvement Council Conference, PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King sits down with Lemira Elementary School's School Inprovement Council who won the 2025 Dick and Tunky Riley for SIC Excellence winner. Representing their school and SIC on the podcast are Stephanie Gregg (Principal), Margaret Johnson (Parent Liason), and Shikiah Campbell (teacher and SIC Chair). Addi...

In this legislative update, PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King chats with PSTA Director of Governmental Affairs, Patrick Kelly. This episode focuses on the South Carolina State Budget, Charter School Governance, Grade Floor Policies, Student Behavior legislation, and more. Listen, share, and downlowd this episode. #thepstapodcast #pstateach #pstaadvocates

In this legislative update, PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King chats with PSTA Director of Governmental Affairs, Patrick Kelly about a series of education bills being debated at the SC Statehouse. They include the SC State Budget, Charter School Governance, Educator Safety and Classroom Authority Act, Grade Floor Policy, and much more. Please listen, share, and download this episode. #thepstapodcast #p...

PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King sits down with three transformative educators who have been involved with CERRA programs for decades. As we wrap up this 3-part podcast series celebrating 40 years of CERRA, we hear from Sallie McCants and Dr. Reginald China who both work in Richland One School District and Rinice Sauls who works in Clover School District. Take a moment to listen to the impact CERRA h...

In this legislative update, PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King chats with PSTA Director of Governmental Affairs, Patrick Kelly about a series of education topics and bills being debated at the SC General Assembly. They include Election 2026, South Carolina State Budget, and an update on several bills related to public education in South Carolina. Please listen, share, and download this episode. #thepst...

PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King sits down with three phenomanal educators who have been the direct beneficieries of some of CERRA's most successful programs. Braden Wilson and Renee Atkinson have both been names South Carolina State Teacher of the Year. Blake Bishop was an Honor Roll Finalist for the recognition. All three have common bonds as it relates to CERRA. They all particptated directly or i...

For four decades, (CERRA) The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement has remained committed to public education in our state. Over the course of 3 episodes, we celebrate the people, programming, and services that CERRA has provided for 40 years. From inspiring future educators, to providing mentorship support, to empowering accomplished teachers to lead, part 1 of 3 highlights...

PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King sits down with the team at Bookbag Tours to talk about how they provide incredibel travel experiences for educators. According to  www.bookbagtours.com , the BBT team designs transformational travel experiences for educators through journeys that go beyond sightseeing to spark reflection, connection, and real-world learning. From walking through Finnish schools to exp...

In this week's episode, PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King chats with PSTA Director of Governmental Affairs, Patrick Kelly about a robust list of education policy being debated at the SC General Assembly. They include South Carolina Budget, H. 4757 - Parental Rights Act, S. 692 - Education Scholoarship Trust Fund, S. 454 - Charter School Governance, H. 5073 - Grade Floors, H. 4163 - High School League,...

In this week's episode, PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King chats with PSTA Director of Governmental Affairs, Patrick Kelly about a slew of education bills making their way through the General Assembly (H. 4756: SC Student Physical Privacy Act, H. 4757: Parental Rights Act, and 4762. Volunteer School Chaplain/Ten Commandments). Additionally, we discuss two bills relating to the "other duties as assigned...

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is provided by PSTA for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not an offer to represent you and does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult an attorney for advice on your particular situation as circumstances can vary from case to case.  In this episode, PSTA Podcast Host, Craig King sits do...

In Part 2, STAR Teachers Kate Atkins (Charleston), Edna Rodriguez (Florence 3), David Goff (Lexington 2), and Cheryl Woodard (Lancaster) share their wonderful STAR experience. If you know a veteran teacher in South Carolina, encourage them to apply to STAR by visiting www.palmettoteachers.org . #thepstapodcast #pstateach #pstaweek2025

The Fall 2025 STAR Seminar Interviews were so spectacular, we had to make it two parts. In part 1, PSTA Founder, Dr. Elizabeth Gressette shares why STAR is such an important program for South Carolina teachers. We also hear from STAR teachers, Melanie Painter (Spartanburg 3), Rachel Pinckney (SC Public Charter District) Jalavender Clowney (Rock Hill), and Katie Brasche (Lexington 1) share their tr...

In this special episode of The PSTA Podcast, host Craig King sits down with Patrick Kelly, PSTA Director of Governmental Affairs, to discuss the launch of the 2026 PSTA F.O.C.U.S. Policy Agenda. Mr. Kelly breaks down the four key priorities of the agenda including, persistently disruptive/dangerous student behaviors, compensation, protecting educator time, and safety and security. He also shares n...

Season 4 of The PSTA Podcast kicks off with a powerful conversation featuring Dr. John Dozier, President of Columbia College, and Dr. Tracy West, Dean of the School of Education at Columbia College. Our host, Craig King facilitated a captivating conversation about Columbia College's impact, growth, and its long-standing partnership with PSTA. #thepstapodcast #pstateach #columbiacollege #koalas #li...

In this episode, PSTA Podcast Host Craig King chats with PSTA Director of Governmental Affairs, Patrick Kelly about the South Carolina State Budget (salary schedule, funding formula, new provisos), the Educator Assistance Act implementation (salary/contracts, certificate renewal, retirees), and the Work Experience Credit implementation. Please listen, download, and SHARE! For more information on j...