In an exciting collaboration, pre-service teachers from the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) are making a big impact in the community by designing engaging and interactive lesson plans for United Way of the Lowcountry’s Early Grade Reading Program. Specifically tailored for Pre-K classrooms participating in United Way’s Play Partners Program, these lesson plans aim to nurture literacy and learning in Pre-K students across Beaufort and Jasper counties.

The inspiring partnership emerged through the efforts of TCL students enrolled in ECD-237 (Methods and Materials) and ECD-243 courses as part of their Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Care and Education, set to graduate in May 2025. During the fall semester, these future educators developed creative, thematic unit projects aligned with the specific study titles provided by Beaufort and Jasper County School Districts.

“The lesson plans created by these TCL students are a perfect example of community partnerships in action,” said Bethany Marcinkowski, United Way’s VP of Education Impact. “Their dedication and innovative approach not only enhance the Play Partners Program but also inspire our youngest learners to love reading and discovery. This collaboration underscores the power of working together to improve lives across the Lowcountry.”

For the students, the process was both challenging and rewarding. They applied curriculum models learned in class to build meaningful lessons that integrated fun, creativity, and learning. From story time connections to hands-on activities, the students ensured their plans supported key developmental milestones while fostering curiosity and imagination.

“It has been an absolute joy to see my students take on this project with such enthusiasm and creativity,” said Kelli Boniecki, Early Care and Education Instructor at TCL and Director of the Clist Center for Excellence. “This partnership has given them the unique opportunity to not only develop their own resources for future classrooms but also give back to the community in a meaningful way. We are thrilled to be part of this collaboration and look forward to continuing this partnership.”

For student Emma Kwisnek, the goal was clear: “Working with children is so rewarding. My goal as a teacher is to create lessons that allow each child to feel seen and appreciated while helping them grow. I wanted to make sure the activities were fun, connected to the book, and encouraged creativity and curiosity.”

Student Shirley Lee added, “Building the studies in groups helped us build a great relationship of teamwork. We were able to utilize each other’s ideas and creative sides to create something impactful.”

United Way’s Play Partners Program is currently available in eight schools across Beaufort County and two schools in Jasper County.

The Play Partners Program serves as a cornerstone of United Way of the Lowcountry’s commitment to early literacy, helping young children develop essential skills that set the foundation for lifelong learning. By engaging local students at TCL, United Way is empowering the next generation of teachers while strengthening its impact in the community.

The success of this project highlights the value of partnerships in shaping the future. With support from programs like these, children in Beaufort and Jasper counties will have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

For more information on United Way of the Lowcountry’s Early Grade Reading Program and how you can came become an EGR volunteer tutor, please visit https://uwlowcountry.org/tutor 

About TCL
The Technical College of the Lowcountry is the region’s primary provider of higher education and workforce training. The public, two-year, multi-campus community college serves approximately 5,000 students annually. TCL has campuses in Beaufort, Bluffton and Hampton and serves Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. For more information visit www.tcl.edu. 

About United Way of the Lowcountry
United Way of the Lowcountry is committed to empowering individuals and families in Beaufort and Jasper counties to achieve self-sufficiency and build a brighter future. By investing in vital services that address immediate needs and fostering education and economic mobility, we ensure donor support makes a lasting, sustainable impact.

Discover how you can make a difference at www.uwlowcountry.org. Together, we can foster self-sufficiency, uplift lives, and build a stronger Lowcountry.

Kelli Boniecki, Early Care and Education Instructor at TCL and Director of the Clist Center for Excellence, with her students Amanda Adcox, Caitlyn Creamer, Tania Jones-Brunson, Emma Kwisnek, Shirley Lee, Amanda Shearon and Darien Sheppard.