South Carolina’s Teaching Fellows Institutions (TFIs) are distinguished partner universities and colleges that host the prestigious Teaching Fellows Program, an initiative designed to recruit and cultivate the next generation of teacher-leaders. These institutions offer candidates a comprehensive experience that includes robust financial support (up to $24,000 over four years), personalized professional development, enriched academic programming, and a strong community of peers and mentors. In return, Fellows commit to serving South Carolina’s public schools, typically one year of service for each year they receive funding.

Fellows benefit from immersive training in inclusive teaching, leadership development, and service that collectively prepare them to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities across the state. Discover what makes each Teaching Fellows Institution unique by exploring the videos, brochures, and campus websites provided below.

​Teaching Fellows Institutions Program of Study Summary: This document is provided as a resource. Program applicants and current Teaching Fellows should confirm that their major is available at the institution of choice. 

TeachSC Partnership

Our partner, TEACH South Carolina (TeachSC), offers free support for individuals exploring a career in teaching. By signing up, you’ll receive benefits such as personalized one-on-one coaching and up to $100 in reimbursements for application-related expenses, including testing and fingerprinting.

To qualify for an application fee reimbursement, simply create a free TeachSC account before applying to a college or university. After registering with TeachSC and completing your application, you can request reimbursement for your application fee and also apply for the TEACH South Carolina scholarship.

Teaching Fellows Expansion

In the event that CERRA decides to expand the Teaching Fellows Program, a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be sent to eligible institutions of higher education with teacher education programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which has superseded the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the state approval process. Proposals must be received by CERRA no later than the date announced by the Executive Committee of the CERRA Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the “Executive Committee”).
 
A team of outside evaluators will assess each proposal using the “Proposal for Participation in the Teaching Fellows Program Rating Scale.” All identifiable information will be removed from each proposal. The team of evaluators will reach consensus on recommendations to be made to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will then make the final decision as to the selection of an institution for participation in the Teaching Fellows Program. 
 
The Executive Committee approves the maximum number of Fellows, which cannot exceed 35 Fellows per cohort, at each TFI. Each TFI must design specific programs for Fellows consistent with the requirements in the Teaching Fellows Policy Manual as well as undergo an annual review, a mid-cycle audit, and a formal evaluation conducted by CERRA. Formal evaluations will be conducted on a five-year cycle. By submitting an RFP, the institution agrees to follow the procedures described in this Policy Manual, adhere to the requirements included in the Master Promissory Note, and engage in annual reviews, mid-cycle audits, and formal evaluations.