SCC Positioned to Help Address the Teacher Shortage

Tuesday, June 16th, 2020

Beginning in the Fall of 2020, Southeastern Community College will offer both the Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation and the Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation. These two new degree programs are designed so students can complete their first two years at SCC then transfer to a university to complete their bachelor’s degree, which is a requirement to become a certified teacher.    

 

There are also Career and College Promise pathways for each program that allows high school students to start their teacher preparation as soon as their junior year of high school.  

 

“This is great news for our community and our schools. What an opportunity and benefit for our students to transition to SCC, participate in this program, and eventually teach for us,” says Dr. Deanne Meadows, Superintendent of Columbus County Schools. “We look forward to partnering with SCC on the Teacher Preparation program and encouraging our students to participate. This will be the true sense of ‘Grow Your Own’.”    

 

Dr. Marc Whichard, Superintendent of Whiteville City Schools shared “I am so excited about this program coming to Southeastern Community College. I am familiar with similar programs in other regions. This was a tremendous undertaking on the part of Southeastern and I am sure this will pay huge dividends for our community. This is certainly in line with my mission of creating a local pipeline of high-quality teacher candidates to fill the void of teacher vacancies.”  

 

Dr. Michael V. Ayers, Vice President of Academic Affairs at SCC, envisions a strong partnership with the two public school systems that will result in more qualified teachers to serve Columbus County.  

 

Registration for the Fall 2020 semester is open. Students can apply online and make advising appointments to register by calling (910) 788-6358 or schedule a virtual appointment. Financial aid is available. The Fall semester begins on August 17.