Who We Are

The College of Charleston Teaching Fellows Program offers to a select cohort of tomorrow's teachers the opportunity to participate in an experience that emphasizes scholastic achievement, offers personal attention, and provides opportunities for leadership enhancement, service, and enrichment.

The program is designed to augment students' regular liberal arts class work and professional curriculum with a set of enrichment experiences (i.e. retreats, cultural events, trips, service activities, student led council) that are designed to assist in their development of interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and multicultural competency. At the same time, through multiple experiences in a variety of educational settings and participation in an on-going seminar, Teaching Fellows have opportunities to identify and articulate their sense of mission and service as teachers and to develop as professionals. The program is designed to enhance the student's college experience, not overwhelm it, as one of the goals for the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is for each Teaching Fellow to become an active participant and leader in all aspects of their campus community.

While Fellows are encouraged to pursue their own paths, they do so in the context of a supportive community of leaders. Our program accepts up to thirty (30) students per class, which allows us to offer a very individualized program, personal counseling and advising, and the opportunity to build close relationships with faculty.

Purpose of Teaching Fellows

The purpose of the Teaching Fellows Program at the College of Charleston is to recruit and retain academically strong students who want to become teachers for the children in public schools of South Carolina. The Teaching Fellows Program in South Carolina and at the College of Charleston began in 1999, with a Legislative initiative, which funded 200 Fellow positions for the State. The program was modeled after a long-time, highly successful project in North Carolina. The fellowship is a secured loan which is forgiven as a person teaches in South Carolina for the amount of time that they accepted the loan.

The College of Charleston is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the state that house a Teaching Fellows Program. It is the second largest. The College of Charleston was selected through a competitive grant process among all private and public institutions that offer teaching training. The Teaching Fellows Program here at the College of Charleston is home to 103 South Carolina Teaching Fellows who come from all over the state.

How to Apply

Prospective College of Charleston students who are high school seniors and have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to the school and community, and a desire to teach South Carolina's children are encouraged to request a Teaching Fellows application in early fall, from their guidance counselors. A $6,000 per year fellowship is awarded to each Fellow. Applications and additional information are also available from the South Carolina Center for Teacher Recruitment at www.scctr.org (1-800-476-2387).

For further information or questions about the College of Charleston Teaching Fellows Program please contact:

Dr. Diane Cudahy
Department of Foundations, Secondary and Special Education
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC 29424
(843) 953-6354
cudahyd@cofc.edu