University of South Carolina   Columbia

 The South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program at USC-Columbia is a scholarship program for qualified South Carolina high school students who wish to pursue a degree in education and a career in South Carolina’s public schools following graduation.  Administered by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement, the program provides a $24,000 scholarship/loan for up to 200 outstanding high school seniors. USC-Columbia is one of only eleven (11) institutions in the state identified as a Teaching Fellows Institution.

 Overview

USC–Columbia is home to the largest community of Teaching Fellows in the state.  Currently, 140 Teaching Fellows in four cohorts—freshmen through seniors—are pursuing degrees and initial certification through the Professional Education Unit at USC.  First-year Teaching Fellows at USC-Columbia may choose to live in one of two residential Living and Learning Communities designed for USC Fellows.  In addition to developing strong friendships and a support network, students in the Fellows Living and Learning Communities plan programs and activities that support their teacher preparation programs.  Recent activities include participating in Project Wild through the Department of Natural Resources, learning about the effects of hunger on school children at Harvest Hope Food Bank, volunteering at and supporting special programs at the food bank, and attending a special viewing of the new film adaptation of Pat Conroy’s The Water is Wide.  First-year Fellows at USC also participate in one of two special sections of University 101, a nationally-recognized course focusing on the transition to college life. Through the USC Teaching Fellows Association, formally recognized as a campus student organization, all Fellows plan and participate in enrichment programs, workshops, and service opportunities. Their work is supported by a faculty advisor, the Teaching Fellows Campus Director, who oversees the Fellows Program at USC-Columbia and serves as a mentor to all USC Fellows. 

 Diversity

USC-Columbia, with its proximity to urban, suburban, and rural school districts, provides rich opportunities for teacher candidates to complete field experiences in diverse settings.  Teaching Fellows have additional opportunities to focus on diversity studies through programming of their design through the Fellows Association, during multicultural events and activities on the USC campus, and in their academic experiences.  USC Teaching Fellows have participated in programs focusing on diverse student populations including special needs students, children of poverty, and students in schools featured in the funding lawsuit and Corridor of Shame.

 Leadership

In addition to the many opportunities for campus leadership afforded students at USC-Columbia, Teaching Fellows may also serve in a variety of leadership roles within the Teaching Fellows Association.  Officers and cohort representatives are elected each year as are co-chairs of the standing committees of the TFA.  This executive board meets regularly to oversee and plan activities for all 140 USC Fellows.

 Field Experiences

Through the Professional Development School Network and other area PK-12 schools partnered with the Professional Education Unit at USC, USC Teaching Fellows—as well as all other teacher candidates—participate in clinical experiences in schools the following districts:  Lexington One, Lexington Two, Richland One, Richland Two, District Five of Richland and Lexington Counties, Newberry County Schools, and the Department of Juvenile Justice.  Students in clinical placements work with USC faculty, University supervisors, school liaisons, coaching teachers, and other veteran educators.

 Service Learning

Each semester USC Teaching Fellows must complete at least five hours of service working with schools and teachers in the Columbia area—or in their home communities.   Fellows have volunteered with a variety of agencies and organizations including Harvest Hope Food Bank, EdVenture Children’s Museum, Epworth Children’s Home, Special Olympics, Olympia Learning Center, Rolling Readers, and many more. 

 Student Support

The USC-Columbia community provides a strong support system for Teaching Fellows.  In addition to having faculty advisors in their academic majors, Fellows are also supported by the Campus Director, a former classroom teacher and a member of the College of Education faculty, who is dedicated to providing students with personal, academic, and professional support during their University experience and beyond.  In this role, the Campus Director helps connect Fellows to other campus personnel— faculty and staff in the College of Education, Office of Financial Aid, the Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs, University Housing, the Student Health and Counseling Centers, and in various departments and schools. College of Education faculty and staff work closely with the Campus Director to support and nurture Teaching Fellows during their college experience and in their teacher preparation programs.

For more information about the USC Teaching Fellows Program, contact Campus Director Mary Hipp, M.Ed., at mchipp@gwm.sc.edu or 803.777.6401.  For more information on the College of Education at USC-Columbia, go to www.ed.sc.edu.