Coker University's Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification (APEC) Center of Excellence has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR) through the Boundless Educators Initiative (BEI). This respected award recognizes and supports innovative teacher preparation programs that are reimagining how educators are recruited, trained, and retained, especially in under-resourced areas.
The Coker APEC Center of Excellence, a registered apprenticeship with the U.S. Department of Labor, will use this funding to:- Provide scholarships to apprentices to offset tuition and training costs
- Offer stipends to mentor teachers who guide apprentices in real-world classroom experiences
- Cover Praxis test preparation expenses for teacher candidates
- Establish affinity groups to foster community and support program completion
- Deliver professional development opportunities to boost the retention and long-term success of teacher residency graduates.
“This grant allows us to deepen our commitment to preparing high-quality educators through hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and meaningful support systems,” said Dr. Lisa Stockdale, Dean of Education at Coker University. “We are grateful to NCTR and excited for the opportunities this funding creates for our apprentices and the communities they will serve.”
The 2025–2026 APEC Cohort includes 10 teacher residents who will begin their residency this fall in partnership with Darlington County School District, Chesterfield County School District, and Marlboro County School District. These aspiring educators will earn their South Carolina teacher certification through a yearlong, immersive experience. Additionally, nine teacher residency graduates will complete their program coursework by the end of July 2025, preparing them to enter classrooms as teachers of record and ready to lead.
The Boundless Educators Initiative grant strengthens Coker APEC’s mission to build a sustainable and inclusive teacher pipeline while addressing critical teacher shortages in South Carolina.
For more information about the Coker APEC Center of Excellence, visit https://www.coker.edu/coker-apec/.
