By: Tracy Sanders, Publisher
BATESBURG-LEESVILLE — On a Saturday morning filled with energy, purpose, and pride, the next generation of educators stepped into the spotlight.
The EPIC Apprenticeship Program Showcase, held April 25 as part of National Apprenticeship Week’s “America at Work” celebration, brought together apprentices, educators, and leaders from across South Carolina to highlight a growing solution to one of education’s biggest challenges: the teacher shortage.
Hosted by the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center), the event was more than a presentation; it was a demonstration of what happens when training meets real-world experience.
“This is our inaugural cohort,” said Margo Jackson, Educational Support Specialist for Apprenticeship. “We have 35 apprentices representing seven different school districts around the state.”
Those districts, many of them rural, are at the heart of the program’s mission: to develop educators from within the communities that need them most.
Learning by Doing
Unlike traditional teacher preparation programs, the EPIC apprenticeship model allows participants to remain in their current school roles while training to become licensed educators.
“They stay in their positions,” Jackson explained. “Their classroom becomes that learning laboratory.”
That hands-on approach was on full display throughout the event, which featured:
● A live apprentice panel
● Interactive teaching demonstrations
● Reflection sessions and networking opportunities
The goal: show not just what apprentices are learning, but how they are already making an impact.
Voices from the Classroom
During the “Apprentices at Work” panel, participants shared personal stories that revealed both the challenges and rewards of the journey.
For Kaye Cooper, the impact starts with something simple.
“One skill that I am most proud of… is greeting each student in the morning,” she said. “Just to let them know, ‘Hey, somebody sees you.’”
Others spoke about growth in confidence, patience, and leadership.
“I have gotten a little more confident in the classroom,” said Tyliya Moses. “Over time, I’m getting better with it.”
Myles Love emphasized the importance of connection.
“People need more love in the world,” he said. “So that’s what I bring into the classroom.”
Their stories painted a clear picture: these apprentices are not just preparing to teach, they are already shaping student experiences every day.
Addressing a Critical Need
The apprenticeship model is gaining attention at both the state and national levels as a workforce solution.
Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, founder and CEO of the EPI Center, said the program was designed to tap into talent already present in schools.
“We’ve got great talent that’s hiding in plain sight,” she said. “This apprenticeship is an opportunity to help those individuals become the educators our students need.”
The results are promising. According to the EPI Center:
● 75% of apprentices are on track to complete training within one year
● Several participants have already passed licensure exams
● Retention in the program remains high
At the national level, apprenticeship programs are expanding beyond traditional trades into fields like education, healthcare, and technology.
“It increases the skill level of the workforce,” said Charles Vaughan with the U.S. Department of Labor. “And that’s what we’re all about.”
A Model Built for Communities
One of the program’s most significant advantages is its “grow-your-own” approach, training individuals who already live and work in the communities they will serve.
“They know the students. They know the families,” Dr. Mitchell said. “They can begin making an impact immediately.”
That local connection is especially important for rural districts, where recruiting and retaining teachers has long been a challenge.
Looking Ahead
As the event concluded with a call to action, one message stood out: this is just the beginning.
“Together, we are building a skilled, empowered workforce—one apprentice at a time,” the program emphasized.
With plans to expand future cohorts and continue showcasing apprentice leadership, the EPIC program is positioning itself as a long-term solution, not just for staffing classrooms but for strengthening communities.
And if Saturday’s showcase was any indication, the future of education in South Carolina is already hard at work.
lighting South Carolina’s growing teacher pipeline.
