Exciting News for Future Educators in South Carolina!
Columbia College is buzzing with enthusiasm these days, and for good reason! They just announced a fantastic new partnership called Tech to Teach, aimed at helping students from technical colleges seamlessly transition into Columbia College’s online programs in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. This initiative promises to open up new doors for those looking to embark on a rewarding career in education.
Earlier this week, the campus welcomed representatives from the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) along with presidents from several participating colleges to commemorate this promising partnership. The Tech to Teach program is currently rolling out as a pilot at seven participating colleges, which include:
- Central Carolina Technical College
- Denmark Technical College
- Midlands Technical College
- Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
- Piedmont Technical College
- Technical College of the Lowcountry
- Tri-County Technical College
A Fresh Start for Future Teachers
So, what’s in it for the students? Well, those who have earned an Associate in Applied Science with a major in Early Care and Education from one of the participating technical colleges will have a golden opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education or Special Education from Columbia College. And the best part? They can do all of this through virtual learning! This setup allows students to continue living and working in their districts while completing their degrees—typically in less than two years. Talk about convenience!
Moreover, students enrolled in the Tech to Teach partnership will benefit from specialized support in advising and preparation for the PRAXIS exam, which is crucial for teacher certification. This means more guidance and resources to help them achieve their goals!
A Commitment to Education
Dr. Kristine Barnett, the Executive Vice President and Provost of Columbia College, expressed her excitement, stating, “At Columbia College, we have a passion to educate and equip our students for personal and professional success, which requires innovative approaches to teaching and learning.” She emphasized the college’s historic commitment to training top-notch teachers and how the Tech to Teach initiative is an extension of that commitment, aiming to reach students who might have otherwise missed such opportunities.
“Our goal with Tech to Teach was to widen our reach, providing new pathways for a new audience: South Carolina Technical College students,” she said.
Addressing Teacher Shortages
The significance of this partnership goes beyond convenience. As Dr. Rosline Sumpter, Vice President for Academics, Student Affairs, and Research at SCTCS pointed out, “By providing a seamless pathway from technical college to a four-year degree in education, we are not only enhancing access but also addressing the critical need for qualified teachers in our communities.” It’s heartwarming to see institutions coming together to tackle the shortage of qualified educators—a challenge that many communities face.
The Tech to Teach partnership officially took flight on August 15 and is set to last for five years. While it starts with seven colleges, the plan is to expand this initiative to all 16 technical colleges in South Carolina in the coming years. This means even more students can benefit from this innovative approach to pursuing their education careers.
Looking Ahead
As the program rolls out, there’s growing excitement around what it means for the future of education in South Carolina. Now is a great time to encourage anyone you know interested in teaching to explore this path! With strong support systems in place and a clear roadmap to success, the Tech to Teach initiative sounds like a win-win for aspiring educators.
Stay tuned for more updates as Columbia College and SCTCS work together to shape the future of education, one student at a time!
