By Vareva Harris, Co-Editor | Vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Improvement Science Propels Achievement and Critical Teaching (IMPACT) Initiative is one program in the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center), a national nonprofit, headquartered in South Carolina founded by Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, centered on teacher effectiveness. The initiative focuses on improving educator effectiveness through the practical application of Improvement Science, offering participating S.C. teachers micro-credentials, professional development, coaching, and stipends–at no cost to teachers.
Participants in the IMPACT Initiative receive $1,650 quarterly stipends, all-expenses-paid travel to professional development conferences, instructional coaching, and opportunities for peer collaboration within a Professional Learning Community. The program is managed by Project Manager Dr. Stacey Wilson, Associate Project Manager Dr. Jennifer Logan, and Project Director Dr. Tondaleya Jackson who are currently accepting applications for new cohorts.
Beyond IMPACT, the EPI Center operates multiple initiatives designed to strengthen the educator pipeline, offering personalized Praxis support, and the Educators Prepared to Impact Communities (EPIC) Registered Apprenticeship program that provides paid work experience and industry-recognized credentials.
At L.W. Conder Elementary Arts Integrated Magnet School in Richland School District Two, Principal William Whitehurst is seeing firsthand the transformative effect of the IMPACT Initiative on his teachers — and, in turn, on student success.
“The teachers gain noticeable confidence in their leadership skills,” Whitehurst said. “They help advance innovation and are seeing measurable results in their students’ learning.”
He noted that the teachers who have completed the IMPACT program contribute to the school in expanded ways, driving innovation and helping accelerate academic success. “Programs like IMPACT allow teachers to earn additional income while enhancing their teaching practice,” Whitehurst added.
Among those teachers are Mironda Perkins and Teneshia Bridges, who described their experience as transformative, equipping them with tools and strategies grounded in Improvement Science — an approach focused on continuous, data-driven improvement.
For more information about The EPI Center or to apply for the IMPACT Initiative, visit www.epipathways.org or call 854-222-7243.
Author: Vareva Harris
