EPI Center Apprenticeship

Become an Educator Without Quitting Your Job

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Apprenticeship

A Different Path to the Classroom

You know the students. You have been inside the walls of schools for years, but you have never had the opportunity or time to become a certified educator.

The Educators Prepared to Impact Communities (EPIC) Apprenticeship gives you that opportunity. EPIC is a registered program with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and is designed to help school staff (classified employees) enhance their skills and obtain alternative certification to become licensed teachers.

EPIC combines targeted training with hands-on, school-based experience and comprehensive support services. Through this unique model, teacher aides or paraprofessionals who want to become certified teachers do not have to quit their jobs to pursue a traditional teaching degree. Apprentices can continue working in their schools while receiving the training and support they need.

We accept applications from April 30 to May 31 each year and announce those selected on June 16th.

How EPIC Works

Keep Your Job While Becoming a Teacher

EPIC apprentices are employed by a partnering school district and receive their district wage while completing their training.

Hands-On Learning and Classroom Prep

The program combines on-the-job training with mentor teachers, instructional coaching, online learning modules, and PRAXIS prep.

An Alternative Path to a Career in Education

Apprentices receive a DOL credential and are eligible for a South Carolina-approved alternative certification program, enabling them to serve as a “Teacher of Record.”

You’ll Be Ready for the First Day of School

EPIC has comprehensive support services, including personalized learning communities, to ensure apprentices are prepared for their new roles.

What Your Schedule Will Look Like

Guidance & Goals

Classroom Practice: Observe & Tutor Individuals

September PLC: Professionalism: Model Code of Educator Ethics, Standards of Conduct & Microcredential Review from
Orientation

October PLC: Family & Community
Engagement

Tasks & Forms

Microcredential 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

Microcredential 10: Leadership and Collaboration

Praxis Sessions

Quarter 1

Guidance & Goals

Classroom Practice: Classroom Practice: Small Group Instruction

November PLC: Philosophies of Education, Theorists, Scientists

December PLC: IEPs, 504 plans, and Classroom Management Strategies

Tasks & Forms

Microcredential 1: Learner Development

Microcredential 2: Learning Differences

Microcredential 3: Learning Environments

Praxis II Exam: First Attempt Due

Quarter 2

Guidance & Goals

Classroom Practice: Co-Teach Whole Group Instruction

January PLC: Lesson Planning 101

February PLC: Instructional Strategies

March PLC: Improvement Science

Tasks & Forms

Microcredentials 7: Planning for Instruction

Microcredential 8: Instructional Strategies

Microcredential: Understanding
Improvement Science

Principles of Learning & Teaching: First

Attempt Due: Any outstanding exams Due

Quarter 3

Guidance & Goals

Classroom Practice: Classroom Practice: Solo Teach Whole Group Instruction

April PLC: Teaching your Content

May PLC: Formative Assessments

June PLC: Summative Assessments

Tasks & Forms

Microcredential 4: Content Knowledge

Microcredential 5: Application of Content

Microcredential 6: Assessment
Outstanding Exams Due

Quarter 2

Guidance & Goals

Classroom Practice: As needed

July PLC: Planning for the upcoming year

Tasks & Forms

Unfinished Microcredentials

Continuation

*This information may be modified and updated throughout the EPIC Apprenticeship experience. Timelines may be adapted for each apprentice.

We Help You Become a Teacher

The EPIC apprenticeship helps you step into the classroom where you’re needed. The first step in your journey is to apply for the apprenticeship.