Columbia College and Newberry College Unveil New Teaching Fellows Program to Foster Future Educators in South Carolina

Columbia, S.C. Welcomes New Teaching Fellows Program

Columbia College and Newberry College have been appointed as the co-hosts for the upcoming South Carolina Teaching Fellows program. This announcement was made public through a recent press release. The initiative aims to recruit talented high school seniors who aspire to become educators in South Carolina, with the first cohort launching in fall 2025.

Overview of the Teaching Fellows Program

The Teaching Fellows program is managed by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention & Advancement (CERRA) and will be hosted by 14 different higher education institutions throughout the state, four of which are private colleges. Each year, up to 230 fellowships are awarded to high-achieving students who demonstrate exemplary academic records, active community involvement, and a passion for teaching.

Statements from College Officials

Dr. Tracy West, the Dean of the Division of Education at Columbia College, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s return, stating, “Teaching Fellows has been an important piece of educator preparation in the Division of Education at Columbia College, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to our students once again!” She highlighted the collaboration with Newberry College, saying that students could choose to be a Columbia College Koala or a Newberry Wolf, describing this partnership as a “recipe for success.”

Similarly, Dr. Susan Fernandez, the Dean of Education at Newberry College, stated, “We are thrilled that Teaching Fellows is back at Newberry College! The pinnacle piece of this program is our partnership with Columbia College. Both colleges are positioned to fully support fellows through experiential learning, specialized advisement and instruction, financial support, advocacy, and more.”

Financial Aid and Opportunities

Each Teaching Fellow can receive substantial financial assistance, amounting to $24,000 over four years, which breaks down to $6,000 per year. This financial support aims to make higher education more accessible for prospective teachers, allowing them to focus on their studies and professional development.

In addition to financial aid, fellows will engage in a range of advanced enrichment programs that offer unique leadership and professional development opportunities. These experiences are designed to enhance their teaching skills and better prepare them for their future roles as educators.

Application Process

The application period for the fall 2025 Teaching Fellows cohort is set to open in September 2024. High school seniors interested in applying for a Teaching Fellowship need to submit their applications before they graduate. For more information on the application process and requirements, prospective applicants can visit the CERRA website at cerra.org.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Teaching Fellows program at Columbia College and Newberry College marks a significant step forward for education in South Carolina. By attracting promising future educators, the program aims to enhance the quality of teaching and support the state’s educational needs.