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Two children sit at a small desk working on colorful math worksheets together. Both wear red shirts, and one is writing with a marker while the other looks on. Classroom materials are visible on the desk and wall.

From Passive to Purposeful: A Veteran Teacher’s Reflection on Professional Learning

by Kim Caley For years, I walked into classrooms with a heart full of passion and a head full of ideas, ready to inspire the next generation. But I was also a learner—learning about my students,…

A group of people sit around tables in a bright, modern room with large windows. They appear to be engaged in a meeting or workshop, with notebooks, drinks, and papers on the tables.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Teacher

By Julia Dawson Alternative teacher education programs must continue to focus on best practices for transforming potential educators into master teachers. A unique program in South Carolina,…

Four adults sit around a table in a library, working together with laptops, papers, and name cards. Bookshelves filled with books line the background. The group appears focused and engaged in discussion or collaboration.

The Impact of a Teacher: Transforming Students and Adults

By Melissa Harrison Before I stepped into my classroom, I believed I would positively impact my students. Little did I realize how many others would also be touched by the experiences and…

A classroom full of students with laptops faces two presenters at the front, one speaking and one standing by. A projector displays slides, and most students view the same website on their screens.

How Persistence, Support, and Determination Made Me the Educator My Students Need

By Kimberly Graham Imagine facing overwhelming challenges and knowing that giving up isn’t an option. In 2012, I was a mother with a master’s in business administration, battling more than the…

Four women sit around a round table covered with laptops, paper, and colorful sticky notes, collaborating on a project. One woman is standing, writing on the paper, while the others are engaged in discussion.

Amplifying the Teacher’s Voice: A Journey with CarolinaCrED Micro-Credentials

by Cathy Lacey Imagine a world where professional development is not just a checkbox on a to-do list but a personal empowerment and validation journey. What if the skills you master today could…

A group of women stand in a semi-circle in a conference room, listening to a woman in a striped dress who is speaking. The room has round tables, chairs, and large windows letting in natural light.

Supporting Early Childhood Educators: An Investment in South Carolina’s Future

by Jessica Sharp Childcare is in crisis (South Carolina Children’s Trust, 2024). According to the First Five Years Fund, “South Carolina’s economy loses $1.4B annually due to child care challenges.”…

A man in a suit holds a colorful poster with notes while a woman with long curly hair speaks into a microphone. Behind them, there are charts and a U.S. flag on the wall in a meeting or classroom setting.

Meeting New Teachers Where They Are: The People & Programs That Make A Difference

By Dr. LaToya Curry-Jones LaToya remembers the day she laid her mother to rest like it was yesterday. Life changed suddenly and forever the day before she was supposed to have her degree conferred.…

Six people sit around a table in a meeting room, engaged in discussion with laptops and notebooks. A large screen and flags are visible in the background. The group appears collaborative and focused.

CarolinaCAP: A Model for Alternative Certification that Works

By Dr. Remona Jenkins, Director of Teacher Quality & Staff Development, Kershaw County School District Allyson, a kindergarten instructional assistant, first heard about CarolinaCAP through a…

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It’s Never Too Late: Walk in Your Purpose with CarolinaCAP’s Support

By Tina M. Ramos-McBride Have you ever felt like you’re running a race a mile behind everyone at every turn, but then you blink and become a contender? You can see the cheering fans, the trophies…

Four women sit around a table covered with papers, notebooks, markers, and drinks. One woman is drawing lines on a large sheet of paper while the others observe and take notes.

CarolinaCAP: Coaching Gets to the Art and Heart of Teaching

By Benita Hughes Could individualized coaching and support possibly be the missing piece needed for teacher retention? The Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (CarolinaCAP) candidates…

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CarolinaCAP: Experienced Educators Plant Seeds of Hope

By Dr. Ernestine Young Have you ever planted a seed that blossomed into a beautiful flower? I have. My two years as a CarolinaCAP Coach have been a rewarding and fruitful experience. The journey…

Four young children in a classroom sit around a blue table, with three of them raising their hands eagerly. Art supplies are on the table, and a teacher stands nearby, partially visible.

Unshadowing the power of language(s): Building the confidence of multilingual learners (Part 2)

Part one of this story can be found at https://carolinacred.org/unshadowing-the-power-of-languages-building-the-confidence-of-multilingual-learners/.   by Lydia Carnesale Miedo Beautiful shells…