News Summary
Lander University has achieved a significant milestone by welcoming a freshman class of 97 Teaching Fellows, marking the largest cohort in the program’s 25-year history. This growth highlights the university’s commitment to training future educators, especially in underserved regions of South Carolina. The Teaching Fellows Program not only addresses teacher shortages but also fosters leadership among its participants. Graduates are prepared to make a lasting impact in their communities while addressing educational challenges. The program continues to thrive, providing necessary support and promoting academic excellence in teaching.
Greenwood, South Carolina – Lander University proudly announces a milestone in its Teaching Fellows Program, welcoming a freshman class of 97 Teaching Fellows—its largest cohort in the program’s 25-year history. This significant growth in enrollment reflects the university’s commitment to developing future educators, particularly in regions where they are most needed.
The Teaching Fellows Program is designed to address the shortage of teachers, especially in rural and high-need areas of South Carolina and the broader United States. Each year, Teaching Fellows receive up to $6,000 in financial aid from the state-funded Center for Education, Recruitment, Retention and Advancement (CERRA). In return for this support, students are required to commit to teaching in a public school in South Carolina for one year for each year of funding they receive.
Dr. Tamara Pack, the assistant chair of Lander’s Department of Teacher Education and director of the Teaching Fellows Program, highlights the program’s role in preparing graduates not only to enter the teaching profession but also to become impactful leaders and advocates for education within their communities. This year’s cohort stands out among previous classes, emphasizing the program’s success in attracting talented individuals dedicated to enriching children’s lives through education.
Lander University has consistently contributed to the educational landscape by sending hundreds of graduates into classrooms. Many alumni of the Teaching Fellows Program have taken on roles that respond directly to teaching challenges identified in the state’s rural and underserved areas, thereby addressing critical shortages in staffing and educational resources.
The impact of the Teaching Fellows extends beyond mere numbers; graduates often emerge as award-winning teachers and influential figures in their schools. The program not only supports their academic journey but also instills a sense of purpose, encouraging graduates to remain in South Carolina and make a difference in their home communities.
As the College of Education continues to enhance its reputation and success, Dean Dr. Stephen Bismarck remarks on the importance of this program in attracting dedicated future teachers who are equipped both academically and professionally. The Teaching Fellows are vital to the robust partnerships Lander fosters with local school districts throughout the Lakelands, promoting collaboration that benefits both the faculty and students.
To date, the Teaching Fellows Program has built a strong legacy characterized by a commitment to educational excellence and the development of future leaders in the teaching profession. Participants engage deeply with their local school systems, ensuring that they are both prepared for their roles in the classroom and attuned to the specific needs of the communities they serve.
As the new cohort begins its journey with Lander University, the school looks forward to further enriching the educational landscape of South Carolina through its Teaching Fellows. Prospective students and interested individuals are encouraged to learn more about the Teaching Fellows Program by visiting the university’s dedicated webpage.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Lander’s Teaching Fellows Create Strong Legacy of Educators
- Cola Daily: 10 Lex Rich Five Students Awarded SC Teaching Fellowship
- Herald Online: Fort Mill Times
- Savannah Now: Savannah Children’s Choir Announces Fellows
- Post and Courier: North Augusta Students Sign College Athletics
- Wikipedia: Teaching Fellow
- Google Search: Teaching Fellows Program
- Google Scholar: Teaching Fellows in Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Teaching Fellows
Author: HERE Greenwood
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