In her second term as superintendent of St. Clair County Schools, Jenny Seals’ full focus is on the students of St. Clair.

Elected in 2007, Seals along with the St. Clair County Board of Education instilled a mission, “to be recognized as one of Alabama’s premier systems by providing a rigorous and relevant curriculum which will enable all students to graduate from high school and be successful in the twenty-first century.”

Seals shared how they are making that vision a reality throughout the system at September’s Moody Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) luncheon.

Implementing a pilot program called C5 Connected Classrooms, Seals is ensuring students are up to speed with the latest learning tools in technology.

C5 Connected Classrooms is a laptop initiative created to infuse technology into the classroom.

The five “C’s” stand for creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and curation of information.

“This is a great place for our students to learn,” said Seals. “I have so much pride in St. Clair County. We are committed to excellence.”

Facing what many school systems are experiencing—growth, Seals says there are plans for new schools and classrooms.

Continuing successful projects such as teaming up with Leeds High School to take part in classes provided at the Eden Career Tech Center in Ashville, dual enrollment, ACCESS distance learning, as well as partnerships with Jefferson State Community College, Gadsden State and the University of Alabama keeps St. Clair County schools in line with Seal’s commitment to quality assurance.

“We try to help every child we can,” Seals said.

Through the C5 Connected Classrooms initiative, Seals strives to involve teachers too.

“Continued education and training helps our teachers get involved with this powerful conversation network,” said Seals. “It used to be how you presented the information. Now it’s all about how you access it.”

Completing schoolwork online provides immediate feedback to students and teachers. It tracks progress and highlights problem areas.

Looking forward to the day where every child in the St. Clair County school system has an iPad to use for schoolwork, Seals seeks forward progress where students incorporate active learning into interactive learning.

Thanking the crowd at the MACC luncheon, Seals felt honored to be there.

“As a 1975 graduate of St. Clair County High School, I’m glad to be able to give back to my community,” said Seals. “Student achievement is our highest goal.”