Application
We are excited to launch a brand new application for our South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program this year. The new application will allow you to complete each component online and in one place. The new application also allows users to start the application and come back to complete it as needed. Before you begin, please review the Teaching Fellows Overview Video, eligibility criteria and important dates listed below. The link to apply is posted below these resources.
In order for your application to be considered complete, you must answer all mandatory questions on the online application, and a high school transcript and two references must be submitted through the Kaleidoscope system before 11:59 PM on December 1, 2018. Incomplete applications will not be scored.
In order for your application to be considered complete, you must answer all mandatory questions on the online application, and a high school transcript and two references must be submitted through the Kaleidoscope system before 11:59 PM on December 1, 2018. Incomplete applications will not be scored.
Teaching Fellows Overview
Eligibility
To apply for Teaching Fellows, you must be:
- a United States citizen or permanent resident alien legally authorized to be in the United States (Please note - students categorized as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not eligible for Teaching Fellows)
- a legal resident of South Carolina
- a high school senior or junior graduating early
Important Dates
- September 1, 2018 - Application window opens
- December 1, 2018 - Application window closes
- December 2018 - Applications scored
- No Later Than January 11, 2019 - Letters mailed to all applicants; up to 500 students will be invited to participate in the second stage of the application process, the interview
- February 16, 2019 - Interview Day at regional locations across the state
- The final number of students awarded a Teaching Fellowship is dependent upon the South Carolina FY2020 budget, which is set by the General Assembly. Award notifications will be made in early spring 2019
Start Your Application
Interview Day
Qualifying applicants are invited to a regional interview, and all applicants are notified as to whether they have been selected for this second phase of the process.The purpose of the interview is to assess the following: communication skills, commitment to education, knowledge of educational issues, leadership potential, originality in responses, and problem-solving ability.
Writing
Applicants will be scheduled to complete a thirty (30) minute assessment of writing ability. The writing assessment is conducted at the interview site.
Scoring
Scores from the interview and writing prompt will be combined with the initial application score to make up a final total composite score. Up to 200 of the top scorers will be offered Teaching Fellowships. Other qualifying applicants will be placed on an alternate list.
Interview Day Tips
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the interview and presentation:
Download a PowerPoint with tips on interviewing.
Writing
Applicants will be scheduled to complete a thirty (30) minute assessment of writing ability. The writing assessment is conducted at the interview site.
Scoring
Scores from the interview and writing prompt will be combined with the initial application score to make up a final total composite score. Up to 200 of the top scorers will be offered Teaching Fellowships. Other qualifying applicants will be placed on an alternate list.
Interview Day Tips
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the interview and presentation:
- Review the information provided in the student packet.
- Watch the informational videos about interview day.
- Ask a professional what you should wear.
- Research current educational issues.
- Practice answering education-related questions.
- Prepare a presentation that answers all required questions within the allotted time. Please note that the interviewers will NOT ask questions during the presentation. The interview team will expect candidates to cover all three questions in their presentation.
- Review the rubric for the written response.
- Get a good night of rest before the interview.
- Plan to arrive early in case you run into traffic. It is important that you arrive on time.
Download a PowerPoint with tips on interviewing.
Why Should You Apply?
Teaching Fellows Institutions
The Teaching Fellows program is available at the following institutions:
**Columbia College and Newberry College are no longer accepting new students into their Teaching Fellows Program.
Visit the Teaching Fellows Institutions page for more info.
- Anderson University - Website / Fellows Program Info
- Charleston Southern University - Website / Brochure
- Coastal Carolina University - Website / Fellows Program Info / Brochure
- College of Charleston - Website / Brochure
- **Columbia College - Website / Brochure
- Francis Marion University - Website / Fellows Program Info
- Lander University - Website
- **Newberry College - Website
- USC-Aiken - Website / Fellows Program Info
- USC Columbia - Website
- USC Upstate - Website / Fellows Program Info
- Winthrop University - Website / Brochure
**Columbia College and Newberry College are no longer accepting new students into their Teaching Fellows Program.
Visit the Teaching Fellows Institutions page for more info.
Questions?
E-mail teachingfellows@cerra.org or call Katie Gibson at 803-323-4032.
