Exciting New Partnership at Columbia College: Tech to Teach
Columbia, South Carolina, has become the backdrop for an exciting new initiative aimed at helping students in technical colleges pursue their dreams of becoming educators. This month, Columbia College announced its new partnership, Tech to Teach, which is designed to create streamlined pathways for students from technical colleges to enroll in Columbia College’s online programs specifically in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.
The Big Announcement
Columbia College welcomed representatives from the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS), along with several college presidents from participating institutions, to unveil this innovative program earlier this week. This partnership is currently being piloted at seven different technical colleges in South Carolina, including:
- Central Carolina Technical College
- Denmark Technical College
- Midlands Technical College
- Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
- Piedmont Technical College
- Technical College of the Lowcountry
- Tri-County Technical College
Empowering Future Educators
Dr. Kristine Barnett, the Executive Vice President and Provost of Columbia College, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative. “At Columbia College, we have a passion to educate and equip our students for personal and professional success, which requires innovative approaches to teaching and learning,” she stated. Dr. Barnett highlighted the college’s long history of training top-notch educators and emphasized the importance of broadening their outreach to help more students.
What’s in Store for Students?
So, what does this mean for students? Those who have completed an Associate in Applied Science degree with a major in Early Care and Education at one of the participating technical colleges will have the golden opportunity to advance their education by earning a Bachelor of Arts in either Early Childhood Education or Special Education from Columbia College. The best part? They can complete their degree via online learning.
This flexibility allows students to continue working in their local districts while completing their degree requirements in less than two years — a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to further their career without pausing their current job or commitments.
Support Along the Way
To ensure that students are set up for success, the partnership will provide specialized support aimed at advising and preparation for the PRAXIS exam while they are still enrolled in the technical college program. This means that students can have access to the guidance and resources they need to not only complete their degree but also to excel in the classroom once they become educators.
A Collaborative Effort
The Tech to Teach initiative aims to not only enhance access to education but also tackle the growing need for qualified teachers in the community. Dr. Rosline Sumpter, the Vice President for Academics, Student Affairs, and Research at SCTCS, emphasized the program’s importance. “This collaboration reflects our dedication to student success and the future of education in our state,” she remarked.
Looking Ahead
Already in effect since August 15, the Tech to Teach partnership is set to last for five years. With plans to eventually expand the program to all 16 technical colleges in South Carolina, the initiative is making big strides in the right direction and offers a promising pathway for many aspiring educators.
As Columbia College takes this important step towards making education more accessible, it’s clear that this partnership will be beneficial for students, their communities, and the future of education in South Carolina as a whole. It’s an exciting time, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
