Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg School District 3, and USC Upstate Partner to Launch First Teacher Pathway Program in Spartanburg County

Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg School District 3, and USC Upstate Partner to Launch First Teacher Pathway Program in Spartanburg County 

Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg Community College (SCC), Spartanburg School District 3 (SSD3), and the University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate) have partnered to create the TEACHSpartanburg program, the first Teacher Pathway Program for high school students in Spartanburg County. This innovative initiative allows students to begin their journey toward a teaching career through dual enrollment courses with SCC and USC Upstate, earning both an associate’s degree from SCC and a bachelor’s degree from USC Upstate within two years of graduating high school. 

The TEACHSpartanburg program addresses the critical teacher shortage in the county by offering a clear pathway for District 3 students to become educators within their community. As part of the program, students will gain invaluable real-world experience by completing student teaching assignments in District 3 classrooms, participating in mentorship programs with current teachers, and engaging in professional development opportunities designed to enhance their teaching skills. 

“The TEACHSpartanburg program is a transformative opportunity for our community, offering a direct pathway to teaching careers right here in Spartanburg,” said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of Spartanburg Community College. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to addressing the teacher shortage while providing District 3 students with the opportunity to become leaders in the classroom.” 

“This program will provide exceptional career preparation for students who want to pursue a career in teaching,” said Chancellor Bennie L. Harris, PhD. “That’s important to USC Upstate. We are always looking at ways to accelerate training and ready our students for the needs of the workforce.” 

“We are excited to be part of this unique collaboration with Spartanburg Community College and USC - Upstate,” said Dr. Julie Fowler, Superintendent of Spartanburg School District Three. “TEACHSpartanburg offers a cost-effective way for our students to prepare for a career in education, while also intentionally addressing workforce needs by utilizing our current dual enrollment program.” 

The TEACHSpartanburg program is designed to provide a supportive and collaborative environment where students are mentored by experienced teachers and prepared for the classroom through hands-on teaching experiences. This initiative is an important step toward ensuring the long-term success of Spartanburg County’s educational system by developing locally-grown educators who are deeply connected to the community they serve. 

To learn more, please contact:  
Katiemarie Owen 
Senior Marketing Coordinator 
Spartanburg Community College 
owenk@sccsc.edu 

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About Spartanburg Community College 
Strategically located across one of the most economically vibrant regions in the United States, Spartanburg Community College (SCC), home of the proud Chasers, drives the economy forward while empowering thousands of students to "Dream it, Chase it, and Live it." 

Founded in 1963, SCC is South Carolina’s fastest-growing public college and prides itself in providing unrivaled access to transformational experiences. At SCC, you can chase your dreams online or at five beautifully manicured campuses, encompassing 245 acres punctuated by over one million square feet of state-of-the-art facilities that offer access to more than 70 different innovative programs. 

About University of South Carolina Upstate 
USC Upstate offers exceptional academic programs designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of fields. The university is dedicated to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed in the professional world. 

Learn more at www.uscupstate.edu.  

About Spartanburg School District 3 
Spartanburg School District 3 is committed to creating a strong educational foundation for all students, fostering an environment of academic excellence, and supporting the development of future leaders. 

Learn more at www.spartanburg3.org