The Sisters of Septima
Welcome to The Sisters of Septima! Thank you for your interest.
Mission
We exist to provide all students majoring in teacher education with opportunities for growth, retention, and excellence in their educational journey.
As Sisters, We Value:
S – Support – Providing mentorship and guidance for future educators.
I – Innovation – Encouraging creative and effective teaching methods.
S – Scholarship – Advancing knowledge and lifelong learning in education.
T – Transformation – Inspiring growth and positive change in education.
E – Empowerment – Building confidence and leadership in educators.
R – Resilience – Navigating challenges and fostering perseverance in teaching.
S – Service – Committing to student success and community impact.
About the Program
The Sisters of Septima (SOS) is a teacher leadership development program designed to support the growth of students majoring in teacher education at the College of Charleston by fostering academic success, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
Entering the Program
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Application Form
Applicants must complete the form linked below
Apply Now! -
Interview Requirement
All applicants who meet the initial application requirements will be required to participate in an interview with program leaders. The interview will allow applicants to discuss their goals, experiences, and commitment to education further.
Applicants will be notified via email regarding interview scheduling.
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Commitment & Benefits
The Sisters of Septima requires active participation. Members are expected to:
✔ Engage in mentorship and professional development opportunities
✔ Attend meetings and events
✔ Support fellow members and contribute to program initiativesStudents may receive:
- Access to tuition assistance to address financial needs & expenses
- Tuition grants, scholarships, professional development, and paid internships
- Academic support to ensure success
- An opportunity to gain insights from expert mentors and engage with experienced educators
- Access to tuition assistance to address financial needs & expenses
Who is Septima P. Clark?
Educational trailblazer, activist & leader. Septima Poinsette Clark was born in Charleston, SC on May 3, 1898 to formerly enslaved parents. Many of her achievements occurred on or near the College of Charleston campus. Learn more about her 40+ years as an educator & civil rights activist.
Call to Action
Meet the Program Director
Techa L. Smalls-Brown has been a K-12 educator for over two decades. She is certified in special education, and has taught students with disabilities and African American Studies at the secondary level, is endorsed in Gifted and Talented Education and credentialed in EL I and EL 2 Montessori. In addition to directing The Sisters of Septima program, she is currently teaching first year students and supervising education interns in their clinical practice internship at the College of Charleston School of Education.
Techa is a native of South Carolina and an alumna of the College of Charleston. She holds a M.Ed. from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Trauma and Resilience in Educational Settings. In 2023 she was honored as a Fetzer Scholar. Techa is completing her a Ph.D. in 2025 as part of her program at Antioch University's Graduate School of Leadership and Change.
Policies
It is the policy of the College of Charleston School of Education that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or in any way be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the College.
Participation in the Sisters of Septima Program is open to anybody, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender, if they are capable of facilitating the achievement of its objectives.*
*Direct quote from U.S. Department of Education grant proposal documents.