Public Education Partners proudly celebrated the success of the 3rd Annual Aiken County Induction Teacher Celebration and Resource Fair on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken. Sponsored by Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) and hosted in partnership with the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, the event honored Aiken County’s newest educators while connecting them with valuable community resources.

The evening was dedicated to welcoming and celebrating first-year teachers and recognizing their commitment to shaping the future of Aiken County students. More than 30 community organizations participated, offering programs, classroom resources, field trip opportunities, and support services designed to help induction teachers thrive in their new roles.

The annual event reflects PEP’s ongoing mission to strengthen public education by supporting teachers and fostering partnerships between schools and the broader community. By providing free exhibit tables to participating organizations, the Resource Fair created meaningful opportunities for educators to build relationships and access tools that will enhance instruction and student engagement.

New teachers expressed appreciation for both the celebration and the practical support offered during the evening.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to get information on the various educational field trips and resources available to new Aiken County teachers. I love this fair!” said Yadica Truitt, a 4K teacher at Redcliffe Elementary School.