The Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation, or CarolinaCAP, is a non-degree pathway leading to full licensure for teacher candidates.
It is a collaboration among South Carolina school districts, the University of South Carolina, and Mira Education with the goal of creating a high-quality alternative pathway into teaching that marries the expertise of local teachers, schools, and districts with nonprofits, data collection partners, and institutions of higher education.
CarolinaCAP candidates participate in a unique, personalized experience:
- Individualized support from a coach selected by the district and trained in the CarolinaCAP Coach model
- Engaging coursework designed by expert University of South Carolina faculty
- Micro-credentials selected by CarolinaCAP candidates with the support of a coach
- Multiple opportunities to learn and grow in virtual learning communities
To qualify for CarolinaCAP:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA*
- *Applicants applying for certification in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education: Multi-categorical (PK–Grade 12) need a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants not meeting the 2.75 requirements will be considered for admission with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and passing scores on the three parts (reading, writing, and mathematics) of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
- Evidence of passing score(s) on the Praxis II subject area assessments
- Individuals who have previously enrolled in student teaching or another alternative certification program are ineligible for CarolinaCAP.
2021-2022 Certification Areas and Academic Requirements
- Degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or closely related field minimum of 6 hrs of biology, 3 hrs of chemistry, and 3 hrs of physics from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for middle level science
- Degree in mathematics, engineering, statistics, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of mathematics coursework including a calculus sequence from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for middle level mathematics
- Degree in biology, biomedical engineering, biomechanical engineering, biochemical engineering, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of biology coursework from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for secondary biology
- Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of chemistry coursework from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for secondary chemistry
- Degree in physics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of physics coursework from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for secondary physics
- Degree in mathematics, engineering, statistics, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of mathematics coursework including a calculus sequence from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for secondary mathematics
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants not meeting the 2.75 requirements will be considered for admission with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and passing scores on the three parts (reading, writing, and mathematics) of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
- Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for early childhood education.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants not meeting the 2.75 requirements will be considered for admission with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and passing scores on the three parts (reading, writing, and mathematics) of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
- Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for elementary education
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
- Applicants not meeting the 2.75 requirement will be considered for admission with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and passing scores on the three parts (reading, writing, and mathematics) of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
- Passing score on ETS Praxis II Special Education Multi-categorical Subject Assessment – Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild-to-Moderate Applications
Start The Pre-Screening Process Today!
Program Recruitment Videos:
Program Overview Slideshow:
Know someone who would make a great educator? Tell them about our virtual information sessions for details on becoming a CarolinaCAP candidate. Email deannat@mailbox.sc.edu to register. #spurringinnovation #alternativecertification #teacherpreparation #SCteachers #SCEducation
✨We're thrilled CarolinaCAP team member Dr. Allison Jacques was recognized last week at @UofSCEducation's Champions of Education Gala with the 2024 Retired Educator Award. 👏 Dr. Jacques serves as CarolinaCAP's Employment Support Specialist. Learn more: http://bit.ly/3TESqLX
✨Congratulations to the CarolinaCAP candidates who recently passed a Praxis exam.👏 We love seeing your dedication to the teaching profession! 🎉#SpurringInnovation
Pathways & Recruitment Coordinator Deanna Taylor teamed with Coach Benita Hughes to represent CarolinaCAP at the @bcsdschools Recruitment Fair earlier this month. Assisting partner districts with recruitment efforts is one way our collaborators support and strengthen one another.
Our Summer Experience is an opportunity for pathway candidates to learn and share with other candidates, coaches, district leadership, team members and advocates. If your organization is interested in vending at this year's event, please visit https://bit.ly/CAPSummer2024Vendors to apply.
We are thrilled that Dr. Janine Krebs has joined our team full-time as the candidate support specialist. During her two years as a part-time team member, Janine has helped nearly 200 candidates in advancing through the pathway. Her leadership has been invaluable!