Addressing teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention challenges requires innovation, system redesign efforts, and shared strategy accomplished with partners across P20 education.
CTQ is a proud partner in the Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (CarolinaCAP), a non-degree program leading to full licensure for teacher candidates. This unique collaboration also includes the University of South Carolina, Voorhees College, and 17 South Carolina rural school districts. Together we deliver a high quality alternative pathway to teaching that includes graduate coursework, competency-based individualized learning experiences through micro-credentials, and tailored support through coaching. In alignment with CTQ’s DEI commitment, the learning and leading opportunities offered by CarolinaCAP are designed to meet the diverse needs of candidates so that they in turn can meet the diverse needs of students and their community. Personalized and individualized professional learning, feedback, and job-embedded growth opportunities are key tenets of this program and the work that we do. Learn more from the short video and the quarterly report below.
Are you leading efforts to redesign recruitment, preparation, and retention pathways for current or future educators? Complete the form below, and we will contact you to explore ways we might partner with your system to address the teacher shortage.
“In CarolinaCAP, while we focus on recruitment and quality preparation, we have the added critical emphasis on coaching and retention. CarolinaCAP understands that we cannot recruit our way out of this teacher shortage; teachers need coaching and support in order to be confident teachers and advocates for the profession.”
— Dr. Cindy Van Buren, Assistant Dean for Professional Partnerships, UofSC
“The Collaborative nature of CarolinaCAP has made space for innovation in this work. The partnership among the University of South Carolina, a growing number of SC districts, and CTQ has fostered a bold new pathway to serve the needs of rural, diverse districts and their communities. We look forward to replicating this model in other states.”
— Dr. P. Ann Byrd, President and Partner, CTQ
“CarolinaCAP has provided Barnwell Elementary with three excellent teachers… They research best practices, ask for assistance from their mentors, and invest their time and talents to improve the level of instruction in their classrooms. Barnwell Elementary School is fortunate to have these three educators as part of our Mustang family.”
— Ms. Kay Gooding, Principal, Barnwell Elementary School
“This program is not only opening doors to certification, but is planning for their success by requiring special support on-site on a regular basis. This shows not only foresight but a heart and a vision for the teacher and the profession.”
-Claire Murdoch, Director of Human Resources, Williamsburg County School District
263
Applicants from diverse backgrounds, locations, and life experiences in the preparation pipeline
81
Percent of candidates identify as Black
54
Candidates launched and teaching in South Carolina classrooms
17
District partners spanning rural and urban contexts with a focus on underserved communities
