Spartanburg Day School

In a three-year-old kindergarten classroom at Spartanburg Day School, Wofford College junior Maddie Lyle quickly became a familiar presence for students and teachers.

Working in a 3K classroom throughout January, Lyle supported daily instruction and classroom activities as part of her education minor requirements, gaining hands-on experience with some of the school’s youngest learners.
Lyle, a sociology and anthropology major from Westchester County, New York, is also a member of the Wofford College women’s lacrosse team. Her internship at Spartanburg Day School offered an up-close look at early childhood education within an independent school setting.

“Spartanburg Day School was my first choice for an internship because I had heard so many positive things about its reputation in Spartanburg County and the Upstate area,” Lyle said. “I was excited to have the opportunity to be here, and from the beginning, the teachers were welcoming and made me feel like I truly belonged.”

Lyle completed her internship on Jan. 23 but returned the following week to spend additional time with students and deliver small gifts as a personal farewell, a gesture that reflected the connections she built during her time on campus.

“What stood out to me most was the teaching approach,” she said. “Teachers are thoughtful and creative, and they take the time to understand how each student learns. You can see how much they care about helping children succeed.”

Lyle was one of six Wofford College students who recently interned at Spartanburg Day School, with placements in Preschool, Lower School, Middle School, and Fine Arts. Additional interns included Sherika Christie, Jordan Jackson, Alayna Justus, Ella Catherine Larmore, and Chaeli Quitzau. The experience reflects a growing partnership between the two institutions centered on mentorship, experiential learning and community engagement.

Page Birney, Head of Preschool at Spartanburg Day, said the Wofford interns had an immediate and meaningful impact on students and teachers. 

"I am grateful for the special relationship we have with Wofford and the opportunity to collaborate,” Birney noted. “This January, we had two interns who spent time with our preschoolers. They were dedicated and excited, jumping right in, interacting with the students, reading books, working in small groups, cheering students on when attempting new challenges. 
“They became quickly adored by all,” she continued. “The interns witnessed a creative and fun environment paired with demonstrated passion for teaching, driven by an authentic commitment to student learning. The students were excited to see them each day and sad when their time with us was over. We wish them both best wishes as they continue to pursue their degrees and invite them to stop by any time. As we say, ‘Once a Griffin, always a Griffin!’”

For Lyle, the internship also provided perspective shaped by her own educational journey.

“Having experienced both public and private schools growing up, I can say the sense of community and individualized attention at Spartanburg Day School really stands out,” Lyle explained. “It is a place where students are known and supported, and where they are encouraged to grow.”

Spartanburg Day School leaders say partnerships with local colleges such as Wofford create meaningful opportunities for students at multiple levels.

“These internships give future educators authentic classroom experience while adding value to our learning environment,” said Head of School Dave Skeen. “They reflect the kind of collaboration that benefits both institutions.”

Spartanburg Day School’s partnership with Wofford College extends across campus, providing hands-on experience for future educators and added support for SDS students.

"Our partnership with Wofford College has created an exceptional connection between theory and practice – blending best teaching practices, meaningful real-world experiences, and a sense of community that extends well beyond the Spartanburg Day School walls,” said Katie Clayton, Head of Lower School. “Ella Catherine, the Wofford education minor placed in our kindergarten classroom, exemplified the strength of this partnership. She jumped in immediately, leading small-group reading and math instruction, building strong relationships with students from day one, and contributing thoughtfully to the classroom environment. 

“The hand-written thank-you notes she wrote to each kindergartener captured the care, professionalism, and reflective mindset she brought to her work, Clayton added. “Experiences like this highlight the powerful impact of partnering with Wofford: our students benefit from passionate, well-prepared educators, and Wofford students gain authentic classroom experience that will shape them into outstanding teachers."

For more information about Spartanburg Day School and its academic programs, visit www.spartanburgdayschool.org.