The Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (CarolinaCAP) is a partnership among South Carolina school districts, the University of South Carolina and the Center for Teacher Quality. It is an alternative pathway into teaching that combines the expertise of teachers, schools, districts, and institutions of higher education. The program lasts three years for candidates.
Berkeley County School District started its program in January 2022, and it has continued to grow. It started with six candidates and now there are more than 24 enrolled.
Part of the program's growing popularity is the continued support provided by coaches like Benita Hughes.
Previously a veteran teacher of 16 years, Hughes is now the lead coach for CarolinaCAP in BCSD. Along with managing other coaches on the school level, she works 1-on-1 with those enrolled in the program.
Recently, Hughes reflected on how she helps teachers working on their certifications persevere through the trials of the job to reach their goals.
Read more about how Hughes instills the heart and art of teaching into CarolinaCAP participants on USC's College of Education blog.