The CarolinaCAP Residency pathway to teacher licensure seeks to grow the profession in South Carolina by offering a state‑of‑the‑art paid teaching residency grounded in coaching and co-teaching to support diverse school districts. Funding for this pilot program was allocated by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2022-2023 to advance and transform the state’s teaching profession.

The residency goals include diversifying the PK‑12th grade educator workforce, addressing teacher shortages through innovations in educator development, and accelerating student learning and systems of whole‑child education. The program features ongoing, consistent support and development by CarolinaCAP for partners, residents, and coaching teachers. STEM content areas not offered in other residencies are emphasized.

Serving as an intensive and innovative doorway into the traditional three-year CarolinaCAP pathway, the residency works to attract local and diverse community members who will join the teacher workforce. By recruiting participants who represent the diversity of the communities they serve, stakeholders and partners in education will model a new entry into teaching through personalized support, rigorous yet flexible preparation, and the retention of accomplished educators.

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The Experience

Launching in the summer of 2023, the residency will provide real‑time, sustained classroom collaboration with a qualified veteran classroom teacher for an entire school year to a cohort of 20 residents who will progress to CarolinaCAP candidacy and, ultimately, teacher licensure.

Residents will also have the full year to participate in preparation and support activities to take and achieve passing scores on Praxis exams.

Livable wages will make this pathway an option for those who are unable to participate in other alternative licensure pathways. CarolinaCAP will provide each resident with a $25,000 stipend (plus fringes), and districts may provide additional funding as needed.

Qualifications

Residents must be rising college seniors or graduates majoring in mathematics, statistics, engineering, biology, physics, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field. This requirement will ensure that participants have enough credit hours to meet the minimum standards for certification in their specific areas.

Residents with degrees in non‑math/science areas will certify in special education, early childhood, or elementary education.

Rising seniors will complete bachelor’s degrees in their chosen fields during the residency year. Participants already holding degrees will certify in middle or secondary‑level math or science.

Residents will also serve as substitute teachers for their districts to accelerate growth and provide cost savings for the district.

Through the residency pathway, participants can access USC education courses and earn micro‑credentials.

 

 

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Partners
Allen University
Benedict College
CarolinaCAP
Dorchester School District 4
Lee County School District
Marlboro County School District
Mira Education
Morris College
Richland County School District One
Williamsburg County School District