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EPI Center: Providing Educator Preparation

Confronting Unfinished Learning by Building Great Teachers.

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Our Mission

We empower educators through innovative preparation strategies, personalized support, and a path to excellence in the classroom.

The Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation develops and sustains an in-to-end teacher pipeline. By upskilling educators to leverage data-driven, innovative strategies tailored to each learner, the EPI Center prepares teachers to create transformative educational and economic opportunities for lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

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EPI Center

The Ways We
Support Educators

It starts with educators. Explore how we support growth, innovation, and impact at every stage.
Our Services

Educators Prepared to Impact Communities (EPIC) Apprenticeship

Become an Educator Without Quitting Your Job.
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Personalized Praxis Support for Teachers


Prepare for the Praxis Exam with our customized coaching.
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Standard and Customized Professional Learning

Get Specialized Training to Improve Teacher Effectiveness and Classroom Outcomes in Districts and Schools.
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The Results of
Empowering Educators

of recipients reported increased teacher effectiveness
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PRAXIS success rate for 56 enrolled Fellows completing a year-long residency
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teachers supported through customized professional development
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The Latest News & Insights from EPI

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR EDUCATOR PREPARATION AND INNOVATION REAFFIRMS INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE GLOBAL EDUCATION

BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, SC – Building on recent successes, the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) has officially signed a Joint Declaration of Strategic Partnership and Shared Commitments. This landmark agreement unites the EPI Center with Voorhees University and the Accra College of Education, in partnership with the Ghana Education Trust Fund. Building […]

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ELA and Elementary Teachers Wanted for EPI Center’s IMPACT Program: Quarterly Stipends Offered
The Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) is currently seeking certified English Language Arts and Elementary Education teachers to join the IMPACT program. IMPACT, which stands for Improvement Science Propels Achievement and Critical Teaching, offers a chance for local educators to transform their classrooms and make a real difference in their communities. IMPACT equips educators with the tools and data-driven strategies to reach every student individually. The goal is to help teachers “teach to each,” creating long-term educational and economic opportunities for their students.
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Educator speaking at recognition event in front of engaged audience.
Excellence in Teaching Deserves Recognition!
Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, CEO of the EPI Center, and Dr. Cinthia Wolfe, Director of Administration and Leadership Development recently attended the Orangeburg County School District Board of Trustees meeting to celebrate EPI supported and funded educators
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Professionals discussing at EPI Center event for health innovation.

Partners

Our Valued Partners

The EPI Center is a dynamic enterprise dedicated to building and supporting the next generation of highly effective educators. Our growth is fueled by strong partnerships with over 24 K-12 public school districts across South Carolina and numerous educational institutions nationwide and globally.
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EPI Center Careers

Build Your Career by Building
Great Teachers

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The EPI Center is committed to supporting adult career changers who desire to be classroom teachers, as well as currently certified teachers in South Carolina and nationally. By working with us, you can be part of creating great teachers.

Our Educators Know Best

"Our mission is to prepare educators to create transformative educational and economic opportunities for lasting impact in classrooms and communities by equipping them with tools and evidence-based approaches that can elevate their practice and the success of each of their students." 
- Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, EPI Center Founder and Chief Executive Officer
"The EPIC Apprenticeship is a plan of purpose that helped push me to my purpose in the classroom. Through personal struggles, challenges, and surviving a breast cancer diagnosis, I am proud to say that with EPIC, my family, friends, and faith, I was able to pass the Praxis exam on my first try."
- Wanda Addison, Lee County School District Praxis Completer – Early Childhood – Special Education
“In 2023, I lost my husband. After suffering this tragedy in my life, the EPIC apprenticeship gave me an opportunity to refocus on pursuing my passion to become a teacher. I thank the EPI Center for helping me reach my goal and destiny.”
- Veronica Robertson, Calhoun County School District Praxis Completer – Early Childhood
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Who We Are

The Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation develops and sustains an in-to-end teacher pipeline. By upskilling educators to leverage data-driven, innovative strategies tailored to each learner, the EPI center prepares teachers to create transformative educational and economic opportunities for lasting impact in classrooms and communities.
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Diverse team of women professionals at EPI Center in front of city mural.