CURRICULUM
Academics
Important elements of our academic courses include connection to place and connection to community. These two principles are carefully woven throughout the curriculum. By design, Daufuskie becomes the students’ living classroom and a springboard to understanding the world around them, including their role as global citizens. Encore classes, or non-core academic courses, are taught by community teachers passionate about and experienced in their professions. The opportunity to bring real-world application and skills to the academic setting gives students a broader perspective. By engaging our community in teaching our youth, we bridge the generational gap.
“The Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation is looking forward to working hand-in-hand with DIIS as they integrate local history into their programs.”
CORE STAFF
Dr. Tennille Scheriff
Principal/English - Dr. Scheriff has worked both locally and internationally as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, curriculum director, and university professor. These varied positions, along with sitting on accreditation teams, have provided her with a deep understanding of different aspects of education.
Jennifer Bashford
Math - After spending more than 20 years in investment banking and nonprofit management, Jennifer made a switch to teaching. She taught at Emory’s Goizueta Business School, Georgia State University, and at Bluffton Middle School. She holds a master’s degree in business communication and public policy. She is certified in Middle School Math, Secondary Business/Marketing and Algebra.
Cathie Moore
Social Studies & Marine Science - A veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Cathie has spent many years on and around the water. Possessing a Master in Art History, currently Cathie also teaches classes at Technical College of the Lowcountry. Over the years, her many interests have turned into professions, including baking and painting.
Jane Lundgren
Science - With a major in Russian and an emphasis in microbiology, Jane speaks fluent Russian and conversational Korean. Jane has also spent much time in university laboratories across the nation and has co-authored papers in the fields of immunology and rheumatology. She is excited to share this knowledge of lab work and research with students.
Melvin Small
Music - With over 45 years of music teaching experience, Melvin wants his students to learn not only theory and technique, but the love of music.
ELECTIVE SUBJECTS COMMUNITY EXPERTS
Mark Anders
Pickleball - A retired bank executive from Maryland, Mark is a life-long racquet and paddle sport enthusiast. Mark has taught over 6000 people of all ages to play pickleball since he started teaching in 2015. He is responsible for the launch of pickleball programs in Palmetto Dunes and South Beach Racquet Club and currently leads the pickleball programs at Sea Pines.
Jennifer Null
Voice - Classically trained, Jenn started performing at the age of 4. She believes music makes people think deeply and that everyone deserves to learn and enjoy music. Her love of music has led her to learn about and perform many musical styles including opera, blue grass, choral, jazz, blues, and folk.
Jan Ross
Visual Arts - Jan started her studies at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and continued them while living six years abroad in Europe. Her works have been displayed in galleries in every state. Jan also brings extensive teaching experience in both private and class settings. www.janrosswatercolors.com
Jane Basford
Yoga - Jane is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher of 27 years with a background in occupational therapy and healing modalities. Jane concentrates on functional movement, helping her students become more flexible, strong, relaxed, focused, and balanced, resulting in reduced stress and anxiety and improving self-esteem, test scores and sports abilities! Yes! Yoga does all that!
Kathleen Carmody
Swimming - Though Kathleen's professional work is in the gerontology field, she is also passionate about helping youth have opportunities to be physically active. She feels strongly that sports help kids excel physically, mentally, and socially. Sports teach teamwork and discipline. Kathleen is an avid athlete and enjoys competing in triathlons, hiking, swimming, and many other activities.
Larry Dessem, J.D.
Mock Trial - After graduating from Harvard Law School, Larry worked at the Department of Justice for over 10 years before deciding his passion was in the classroom. He taught at University of Tennessee's Law School, before becoming Dean of Mercer University's School of Law, followed by 13 years as Dean of University of Missouri's School of Law.
Todd Neel
Personal Finance - A small business owner, Todd is passionate about teaching youth the principals of sound financial principals. Having sold his businesses, he how spends time working with youth as they gain the confidence to be more independent.
EXTRACURRICULAR SPORTS & CLUBS
Fall |
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Cross Country |
Pickleball |
Chess Club |
Mock Trial |
Winter |
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Archery |
Drama Club |
Dance |
Spring |
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Track |
Tennis |
Equestrian |
