Assistant Director - Willard McGinty
 

Mr. McGinty is a graduate of Presbyterian College earning a Bachelor of Art and Bachelors of Science in 1999. He completed his post-graduate work at the University of South Carolina earning a Master’s degree and Specialist degree in Educational Administration. Currently, Mr. McGinty is a doctoral candidate at the University of South Carolina in the Educational Leadership program. Prior to joining the administrative team at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, Mr. McGinty served in several administrative capacities across School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties including Administrative Assistant at the Academy For Success (2012-2014), Director of Summer School (2014), Interim Coordinator of Certified Personnel in Human Resources (2015), and Assistant Principal at Dutch Fork High School (2015-2017). Mr. McGinty is a passionate educator who believes in cultivating a climate of academic optimism in which each child is challenged to achieve his/her greatest potential.    

Philosophy

“The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not in the job.” Zig Ziglar

“The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” Vince Lombardi

      CTE Coordinator - Charity Simmons

  I am a passionate educator with fifteen years of experience in Career and Technology Education. I previously served as a Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Irmo High School International School  of the Arts as the Foods and Nutrition Teacher, Advanced Placement Coordinator, Family and Career Community Leaders of America Advisor, Data Team Chair, LeaD 5 Facilitator, College, and Career Readiness Chair, and Teacher Mentor. I am a graduate of South Carolina State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Science Business and a Master of Science in Individual and Family Development. I also have a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix and an Educational Specialist Degree from South Carolina State University. Currently, I am pursuing my Doctorate in Education at the University of South Carolina. I am also a recipient of the Lexington-Richland School District Five Professional Development Fellowship and a Clinical Practice Fellow. I am married with one daughter. During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, traveling, and finding the joys in life. I value relationships, honesty, respect, and growth.