Teachers gain the knowledge and experiences necessary to effectively teach and discuss forests issues that affect our state. Along with this are a vast variety of resource materials that are useful in their classrooms. Resources include videos, posters, CD-ROM s , books and technical manuals, literature, teacher packets describing various industries, and a notebook full of valuable facts, articles, and other data pertaining to forestry and forest issues. Teachers are also furnished with a list of contacts they can use to arrange for foresters and other professionals to visit their classes or arrange field trips during the school year. A nominal fee is charged by the college for this and additional work and classes are required to meet this requirement for credit.
Teachers examine a harvesting operation that uses the latest technology.
All meals, lodging, materials, and transportation during the tour are provided FREE by donations from the members of the S.C. Teachers Tour Coalition, who sponsors the tour. Preference is given to full-time certified school teachers for grades 3 to 8 specializing in environmental studies. Secondary teachers specializing in environmental studies, life sciences, biology, Tech Prep or natural resource education will also be considered. Tour is limited to 35 participants each year. Teachers learn about protecting endangered species, such as the Red-cockaded woodpecker, from USDA and SC Forestry Commission foresters.