CERRA's Collegiate Program
Overview
The SC General Assembly began funding the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program in 1999. The mission of the Program is to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession and help them develop leadership qualities. Each year, the program provides Fellowships for up to 230 high school seniors who have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to their school and community and/or have work experience, and also possess a desire to teach in South Carolina.
Teaching Fellows participate in advanced enrichment programs at Teaching Fellows Institutions, have additional professional development opportunities, and are involved with communities and businesses throughout the state. They receive up to $24,000 in fellowship funds (up to $6000 a year for four years) while they complete a degree leading to initial teacher certification. The fellowship provides up to $5700 for tuition and direct education expenses (including room and board) and $300 for specific enrichment programs administered by CERRA. All Teaching Fellows awards are contingent upon funding from the SC General Assembly. Fellows agree to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for every year they receive the Fellowship.
Click here to read a comprehensive research report about the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program.
Teaching Fellows Make Great Hires
This Program not only recruits the best of the best, it prepares these future teachers to positively impact education in South Carolina. Teaching Fellows have agreed to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for every year they have accepted the fellowship funds. Most Teaching Fellows are therefore indebted for four years of service to the state. Current data show 93.3% of graduates (2,465 Fellows) have either satisfied their loan or are currently
teaching for loan forgiveness in a SC public school.
Teaching Fellows participate in advanced professional development from their first year in the Program. The professional development opportunities offered to Teaching Fellows address respect for diversity, leadership, advocacy, and the use of innovative and effective teaching practices. The Teaching Fellows Program helps prepare these novice teachers to lead from the beginning of their careers.
Teaching Fellows Staff
Jenna Hallman, Ph.D.
Executive Director and Program Director for Teaching Fellows
Contact Number: 803-323-4032 Ext. 66411
Email: hallmanj@cerra.org
Michael Fleming, Ed.D.
Program Facilitator for Teaching Fellows
Contact Number: 864-617-4361
Email: michael@cerra.org
Katie Gibson
Program Specialist for Teaching Fellows
Contact Number: 803-323-4032 Ext. 6416
Email: gibsonk@cerra.org
Teaching Fellows Testimonials
" Being a Teaching Fellow was like being in a teacher preparation program with sprinkles on top. We had a chance to network with other Teaching Fellows across the state. Those connections were so important when I began teaching. I would not be a teacher if it had not been for the support I received as a Teaching Fellow."
Braden Wilson, Teaching Fellow Alumni and 2025 South Carolina Teacher of the Year
" I was blessed to be a part of the Teaching Fellows Program. We were a close group which helped us build community and a family atmosphere that we could create in our own classrooms. I believe being a Teaching Fellow better prepared me for my career in education, and I'm thankful I am a Teaching Fellows graduate! "
Robin Bracken
Class of 2005 Cohort
"I was thrilled to be a Teaching Fellow at Anderson University! I view the Teaching Fellows Program as high quality, intensive professional development for the pre-service classroom teacher. It has truly impacted my life and has helped me grow into the teacher that I am today!"
Bradley Brazell
Class of 2013 Cohort
" I realize now more than ever how important and beneficial being a Teaching Fellow at Newberry College has been to my teaching career and my own future students. I hope that many more future teachers are also given this opportunity just like I was, and that they begin their own journeys to become phenomenal educators in our great state of South Carolina! "
Paige Starnes
Class of 2009 Cohort
" The Teaching Fellows program has been instrumental in developing me as a future educator through hosting professional developments, giving me an array of role models, and offering so many other opportunities to which I would not otherwise have had access, especially the supportive community. In short, being a Teaching Fellow has blessed me in more ways than I know, and I am extremely grateful to be a part of this program. "
Alaina Rink
Class of 2017 Cohort
"Teaching Fellows is an incredible program that has had a tremendous impact on my life. Through professional development, classroom opportunities, support, and advisement; Teaching Fellows has helped me grow into an advocate for education, who is fully prepared to enter a long and fulfilling career. I am grateful to be a part of a community that will help impact education in amazing ways.”
Luke Harris
Class of 2016 Cohort