SC-DREAM Project

What is a teacher residency program?

A teacher residency model is an initial preparation program that immerses teacher candidates, also known as residents, in the life of a teacher by working closely with a coaching teacher in an elementary school classroom (grades 2-6) for an entire academic year. In our teaching residency model, residents are coached, guided, and supported throughout their experiences and coursework in a manner that prepares them to be responsive educators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a resident’s schedule look like?

The SC-DREAM Project residency schedule will mirror that of a full-time classroom teacher. As a resident you will attend all days that a classroom teacher is contractually required to attend school – from pre-planning until the end of the school year. You’ll attend school based PD sessions, parent-teacher conferences, bus duty, school wide testing and experience all the various responsibilities of a teacher throughout the school year. Gradually each resident will take on more leadership within the classroom culminating in several immersion weeks in the final spring semester.

What grade levels/certification areas are a part of the program?

The certification area is elementary education, grades 2-6. SC-DREAM Project does not provide any other teaching certification.

Where will I be teaching for my residency? What districts have partnered with SC-DREAM?

All residency placements occur within our partner districts. Currently, SC-DREAM partners with Richland County School District One.

If I am already an employee of a partner school district, will I have to move to another school?

You may have to move to another school within your district to complete your residency. Residents are clustered into cohorts to provide greater support and coaching, and you will be intentionally matched with mentor teacher. We work directly with our partner districts to facilitate the resident-match process.

If I am not an existing employee of a partner school district, can I apply to SC-DREAM Project?

Residents do not have to currently be employed by our partner districts. We eagerly welcome anyone who currently holds a bachelor’s degree and a passion for becoming a teacher to apply.

How do I attend my MAT courses?

All coursework is offered virtually (online) coupled with face-to face learning experiences that take place in partner elementary schools. In the first spring semester, the pre-requisite courses are both online and asynchronous, meaning there is no set class meeting time, work for those courses can be completed around one's own schedule. In the summer, courses are offered virtually and are a mix of asynchronous and synchronous, meaning some courses will have a set meeting time. In the fall and second spring semester (during residency), courses are held synchronously, online during coursework days (two days in the fall semester, one day in the spring semester) with set meeting times.

What is my teaching commitment upon successfully completing my residency?

The SC-DREAM Project requires you to teach for a minimum of three years in the school district in which you completed your year-long residency.

How do I apply? What does the application process look like?

Candidates must first have their transcript(s) reviewed by program faculty to determine prerequisite coursework requirements. Applicants must then apply to the Elementary Education MAT Program at the University of South Carolina Graduate School by October 15th. If applicants are accepted by the Graduate School, they will move to the next step in the application process, an interview and assessment led by program faculty and district partners. If accepted to SC-DREAM, candidates will be offered admission by program faculty and the USC Graduate School. (Note: Acceptance to the Graduate School is separate from full admission to SC-DREAM Project)

To request a transcript review please email scdream.usc@gmail.com.

What is the cost of the program?

The tuition for SC-DREAM Project is approximately $25,000. This cost may be increased depending upon the number of prerequisite courses that an applicant needs. We will work with you in our transcript review session to determine the number of prerequisites required and also provide financial aid options as well.

How much is the SC-DREAM Project living wage stipend?

Residents will receive a $25,000 (minimum) living wage stipend with payments spread out throughout the course of the program.

Are there other financial supports available?

Our school district partners support residents with an instructional assistant salary and benefits for the duration of the residency year.

The South Carolina Teacher/Career Changer Loan is another financial support option. South Carolina Teachers and Career Changers loans are forgiven at the rate of 20 percent or $3,000 for each full year of teaching at a SC public school in a critical need subject or geographical area. More information can be found here:

https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/financial_aid/loans/sc_teachers_loans/index.php

To pursue federal financial supports you must first complete the FASFA form. This form can be accessed at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and needs to be completed by April 1, 2025. Use the Federal School Code 003448 to have results sent to the University of South Carolina.

What tests are required?

To become a certified teacher in South Carolina, you must pass a series of Praxis tests. To become an elementary school teacher, you must pass:

(5000 series) Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K - 6

How do I report test scores?

When you register to take any of the Praxis tests, you must enter the codes below. If you do not enter them for free during registration, the testing company may charge you a fee to do this later.

University of South Carolina - 5818

South Carolina State Department of Education - 8108

Be sure to enter these codes each time you take any Praxis series test.

Do I need to take the GRE to be accepted into the Carolina Transition to Teaching Residency Program?

No, you do not need to take the GRE.

How long is the SC-DREAM Project?

The SC-DREAM Project includes an 18-month graduate program coupled with a concurrent year-long residency, followed by induction support with CarolinaTIP and three-year teaching commitment within our partner district. Below is a more detailed timeline with coursework information:

Pre-reqs (*)
*ISCI 325 - Children’s Literature (3 credits)
*EDTE 500 - Mathematics Knowledge for Teaching I: PK-8 (3 credits)
Additional pre-reqs as needed
Praxis Support

Summer

Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or be a permanent resident
*EDEX 523 - Introduction to Exceptional Children (3 credits)
EDEL 701 - Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy for the Elementary Classroom (3 credits
EDRD 600 - Foundations of Reading Instruction (3 credits)
Additional pre-reqs as needed
Praxis Support

Residency begins on teacher’s first day in partner elementary schools

Fall - Two Days of Coursework + Three Days of Residency

EDTE 733 - Reading and Language Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (6 credits)
EDEL 743 - Studies and Internship I in Teaching Social Studies–Elementary (3 credits)
EDPY 705 - Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
Praxis Support
School-based professional learning and coaching

Spring - One Day of Coursework + Four Days of Residency

EDEL 790 - MAT Internship in Elementary Education (9 credits)
EDEL 744 - Studies and Internship in Teaching Science–Elementary (3 credits)
EDEL 701 - Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy for the Elementary Classroom (3 credits)
EDTE 771 - Studies and Internship I in Teaching Math-Early/Elementary Education (3 credits)
School-based professional learning and coaching
Praxis Support

Residency ends on teacher’s last day in partner elementary schools

Summer - Praxis Support (as needed) + Prepare for your own classroom!

Post Graduation - Teaching within partner schools (three years minimum) + Induction Support with CarolinaTIP (two years minimum)