A new class of aspiring teachers celebrated the start of their journey at an orientation held in Columbia. The Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) welcomed current and future educators from across South Carolina into its EPIC (Educators Prepared to Impact Communities) Registered Apprenticeship program. The two-day event was filled with learning, inspiration, and community building for all the participants.
Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, CEO and Founder of the EPI Center, highlighted the program as essential to driving the organization’s mission to prepare future educators. “We are honored to accompany them on their journey to leading classrooms and continuing to make a difference in the lives of the students under their care,” she said.
Addressing the new cohort of educators and learners, Dr. Hightower Mitchell offered a heartfelt thanks. “I want to thank you for the hard work you will do,” she said. “Thank you for the tears of frustration and fatigue you will shed, and for pushing through those challenges. Most importantly, thank you for the children waiting for a teacher just like you to see them, and for the parents who will respect you for the difference you make in their children’s lives.”…