CarolinaCAP is a non-degree pathway aimed at preparing teacher candidates/apprentices to become certified through practical, hands-on experience in the classroom. The pathway is a partnership between South Carolina school districts, the University of South Carolina and Mira Education to provide a streamlined pathway into teaching for individuals who have not completed a traditional teacher education program.
CarolinaCAP offers two pathways: the Main Pathway and the Residency Pathway. The Main Pathway involves immediate classroom teaching as the teacher of record under the supervision of a site-based CarolinaCAP coach, while the Residency Pathway allows residents to start as co-teachers under the guidance of a coaching teacher, gradually taking on more classroom responsibilities as they progress.
Applicants should have a conferred bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university and must not be certified to teach in any state. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to teaching in high-need schools and subject areas.
Candidates must complete three years of teaching under the guidance of a site-based CarolinaCAP Coach, alongside completing coursework tailored to effective teaching strategies and classroom management. Candidates are also required to meet specific competencies, such as attending monthly virtual learning community meetings and earning micro-credentials that demonstrate their effectiveness as educators.
Interested applicants can apply directly on the CarolinaCAP website. The application process for both the main and residency pathways involve submitting the online application and sharing a copy of their official academic transcripts.
Each CarolinaCAP resident is placed with a coaching teacher who shares their classroom and expertise with the resident for the entire residency. Support includes co-planning, co-teaching and co-assessment through observations, feedback sessions, and assistance with lesson planning and classroom management. Residents also have access to Praxis preparation materials/sessions, professional development sessions, online resources, micro-credentials, coursework and a summer professional development experience.
Each CarolinaCAP candidate is assigned a site-based CarolinaCAP coach who provides regular, on-site support. This includes co-planning, co-teaching and co-assessment through observations, feedback sessions, and assistance with lesson planning and classroom management. Candidates also have access to professional development sessions and online resources.
Unlike traditional pathways that require completing a degree in education before entering the classroom, CarolinaCAP allows candidates to begin teaching immediately, earning a salary while they learn in the main pathway. This practical approach is supplemented by targeted coursework and support, focusing on immediate application of pedagogical methods in the classroom.
The cost of the main CarolinaCAP pathway is $7,500 for the three-year time period. This fee is initially covered by the school district with whom the candidates receive employment. These fees may be reimbursed by the candidate to the district and/or supplemented by state or other funds. Candidates may incur some out-of-pocket expenses, such as fingerprinting and Praxis exams. However, the total out-of-pocket cost over the three-year pathway is expected to be less than $500.
Residents participating in the CarolinaCAP residency pathway receive a living wage stipend as well as fringe benefits as an incentive to participate in and complete the residency. Residents may incur some out-of-pocket expenses, such as fingerprinting and Praxis exams. However, the total out-of-pocket cost for the one-year experience is expected to be less than $500.
CarolinaCAP partners with multiple school districts across South Carolina, primarily in high-need areas. Candidates will have opportunities to express preference for certain districts, but placements are subject to availability and needs.
CarolinaCAP Residency currently partners with 8 school districts in South Carolina, primarily in high-need areas. Residents will have opportunities to express preference for certain districts, but placements are subject to availability and needs.
Upon successful completion of the pathway and meeting all certification requirements, candidates are fully certified to teach in South Carolina. Many participants receive offers to continue teaching in their placement schools or within the district.
Upon successful completion of the residency pathway and meeting all pathway requirements, residents transition to the main pathway as candidates. Many participants receive offers to continue teaching in their placement schools or within the district.
For more detailed information or specific queries, please contact the CarolinaCAP Pathways and Recruitment Coordinator (deannat@mailbox.sc.edu) or the Applicant Specialist (CarolinaCAPApplicant@sc.edu).
Ideally, the pathway is completed in a three-year cycle.
The residency pathway is a year-long placement and collaboration with a coaching teacher in a CarolinaCAP residency partner school district.
We have two launch times, July (the beginning of the school year) and December for most areas of certification. If an individual is a special education candidate, then there is one launch date only (July).
We have one launch time, July/August (the beginning of the school year).