About the EPI Center

We Empower Educators Through Innovative Preparation, Personalized Support, and Pathways to Excellence.

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.

EPI Center
Two women holding Impact Literacy Summit and Educator's Toolkit boxes at EPI Center.
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.

Our Approach to Improving Educational Outcomes

We redefine educator preparation through pathbreaking, research-driven approaches. 

The EPI Center elevates teacher effectiveness through comprehensive services designed to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to drive student success. 

The EPI Center provides: 
  • Customized Professional Learning
  • Personalized Praxis Support
  • On-Demand Microcredentials
  • Instructional Coaching
  • Paid Apprenticeship program

The Places We Serve

The EPI Center serves educators in seven states (Arkansas, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Tennessee), including 24 K-12 public school districts in South Carolina.

Our reach extends nationwide, preparing those who want to become educators through alternative certification and supporting educators currently leading classrooms in becoming more effective. 

Additionally, the EPI Center has co-constructed mutually beneficial relationships with educators in universities and schools all over the world to inform our work. Some connections are located in Barbados, Ghana, and Canada.

Meet the Board of
Directors

The EPI Center is governed by a board of directors with diverse backgrounds. They’re all passionate about creating great teachers and improving educational outcomes. 

EPI Center Board of Directors member in a pink blouse with glasses and a Chanel brooch.

LaMyra S. Dukes

Leadership team of EPI Center Board of Directors.

Jamie Devine

EPI Center logo for Mamie Shippy profile image.

Mamie Shippy

Professional woman in blue blazer smiling, representing EPI Center.

Meet Our CEO

As the founder and chief executive officer of the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation, Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell is an educator advocate, solutionist, and “edupreneur.”

Meet the people driving the work forward. Our team partners with educators to deliver research-driven support, strengthen teacher effectiveness, and advance student success in classrooms and communities nationwide.

EPI Center Careers

When you join our organization, you become part of a mission to create better teachers and improve education for children. No matter your role, you can make a difference. 

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 […]

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.
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