Dr. Sally Z. Hare:
Bridging Souls, Building Communities
In an age where true Elders are scarce, Dr. Sally Z. Hare stands as a luminous figure, seeking to connect soul and role as an Elder and inspire others to do the same. Sally believes that being an Elder is not solely about age but rather about a life characterized by integrity, wholeness, and meaning—a message she passionately shares with individuals of all ages.
A lifelong teacher, learner, feminist, and activist, Sally’s commitment to community and environmental stewardship shines through her work. Over 30 years of collaboration with Parker J. Palmer, and her roles as Coastal Carolina University Singleton Distinguished Professor Emerita and president of still learning, inc., underscore her profound impact on academia.
Sally’s academic journey includes serving as the Dean of the Graduate School at Coastal for more than a decade, earning a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina, and being named a Singleton Distinguished Professor Emerita. Her deep exploration of the concept of community across cultures and countries during a three-year Kellogg National Fellowship in the early 1990s highlighted her commitment to understanding and building connections.
Accolades have followed Sally throughout her career, including being named Phenomenal Woman of South Carolina in 2003, receiving the 2002 Woman of Achievement Award from the South Carolina Governor’s Commission on Women, and being honored as Coastal Carolina University’s Outstanding Teacher Scholar Lecturer in 2001.
Sally’s literary contributions extend to a children’s book, “Lucas and the Terribly-Trying Trying-Terribly Test,” numerous essays, and notable works such as “The Dance of a Lifetime: The Transaction of Individual and Community” and “We Teach Who We Are: The Intersection of Teacher Formation and Educator Dispositions.” She has secured grants, including those from the National Science Foundation, aimed at empowering women and girls in math and science.
Her writings, including “The Eldergarten: A Vision for Teacher Education,” “I’ll Meet You in the Field: The Intersection of Education and Community,” and contributions to various publications, reflect her commitment to education and community. Sally’s life story is an ode to wisdom, resilience, and the profound impact one individual can have on education, community, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Sally invites you to contact her at couragetoteach@sc.rr.com as she commits to taking The ElderGarten out into the world. She needs your help in nurturing Elders on our planet. She would welcome a conversation about joining your book group or community conversation, sharing the idea of connecting soul and role as Elder with your friends and your community. She is also available online as a facilitator and a coach with individual sessions or small groups.
Jim R. Rogers, M. Ed:
A Beacon in Parenting Education
Jim R. Rogers, M. Ed. (Early Childhood), CFLE, emeritus Nationally certified Parenting and Family Life Educator, and Vice President/Treasurer of still learning, inc., has dedicated his life to illuminating the path of parenting education. Jim is a proud parent of three, grandfather of four, and great-grandfather of one—a testament to his commitment to family values.
From 1992 to 2006, Jim served as the owner/director of ParentsCare, a company devoted to facilitating Family Enrichment Programs that prioritize the well-being of parents and children. His efforts transformed ParentsCare into an integral educational component of still learning, inc. As a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations, Jim’s expertise extends to being a Certified Parent Instructor (CICC, Los Angeles). His active involvement in organizations such as the National Council on Family Relations and the National Parenting Education Network showcases his dedication to the field.
Jim’s impact spans diverse settings, from conducting parenting workshops for the Horry County Department of Social Services to facilitating sessions for Coastal Carolina University’s Continuing Education programs. He has been a guest speaker at national conferences, addressing audiences on engaging parents in their own parenting education and exploring career opportunities for new graduates in family life studies. Jim’s influence reaches religious organizations, child care centers, private and public schools, and various community platforms.
Employed at the Center for Education and Community; Coastal Carolina University from 1993 to 2006, Jim served as the staff Parent and Family Life Educator, CFLE. He conducted workshops, facilitated graduate and undergraduate classes, and consulted with schools on parent training, involvement, and family literacy. His role also extended to being the coordinator of H.O.M.E in the Center—a Family Resource Center—and the Media Specialist for Center Projects.
Jim’s educational journey includes earning a Master of Education in Early Childhood from Coastal Carolina University in 1994. Before entering parenting education, he spent 35 years in service businesses, excelling in roles such as Senior Vice President and company owner/president in radio, television, advertising, and broadcast/media production.
A retired member of the Director’s Guild of America, Jim directed several productions at the Center, leaving a lasting impact on projects like “Calling All Colors: The Quilts,” “Jump For The Sun,” and “Who Makes Us Us? We Do.” He also contributed a parenting column to the regional family newspaper Parent News for over 19 years and remains a regular guest on local television stations. Jim’s legacy is further reflected in the parenting workshops, leader guides, and training curricula he created for social services, family courts, child care facilities, and schools.