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Social Studies

Barbara Hairfield

Barbara Hairfield
Senior Coordinator

Barbara Hairfield is a nationally recognized social studies educator and CCSD’s Secondary Social Studies Instructional Specialist, bringing decades of experience in curriculum leadership, teacher coaching, and state and national education policy. A National Board Certified teacher and multiple award recipient, she has shaped standards, assessments, and professional learning across South Carolina and the nation, while mentoring educators and serving on influential advisory boards and councils.

Mia Pace

Mia Pace
Elementary Schools

Mia Pace has over two decades of experience in literacy instruction, coaching, and curriculum leadership. A former District Teacher of the Year, she designs and facilitates professional learning, supports coaching cycles, and partners with school teams to strengthen literacy instruction and improve student outcomes across Charleston County and will be expertly pairing literacy and social studies to strengthen comprehension.

Jason

Jason Dhanapalan
Middle/High Schools

J.D. Dhanapalan, a former professor and award-winning soccer player and coach from South Africa, brings a wealth of academic and leadership experience, including teaching AP-level history and mentoring teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, as well as boosting USHC End of Course scores at Baptist Hill High School. With advanced degrees from the University of KwaZulu Natal and Gardner-Webb University, he now joins CCSD’s Social Studies team to support middle and high schools with his deep content knowledge and passion for coaching and mentoring.
 

Jason Brisini

Dr. Jason Brisini
Middle/High Schools

Dr. Jason Brisini is a veteran CCSD educator and instructional leader with over 15 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and program developer. Known for founding Wando’s AP Academy and leading districtwide distance learning initiatives, he brings expertise in student-centered instruction, social studies curriculum, and equity-focused leadership rooted in project-based learning and personalized professional development.