APEC at Coker

Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification

Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification

Our Goal

• To provide an alternative pathway to certification for people interested in becoming classroom teachers.
• To provide ongoing support and mentoring to help develop and retain quality teachers.
• To create a program that will provide coursework and field requirements toward a master’s degree and alternative certification.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree
• Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or from an institution with teacher-preparation programs approved by the state of South Carolina. 
• Have earned a major in the certification subject area or a major equivalent as defined by the State Board of Education (SBE).
• Have earned an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The GPA in the content area major or the GPA in the last sixty hours of coursework may be used to meet this requirement. 
• Be recommended by a partnering school district
• NOT have participated in student teaching in a traditional education preparation program (EPP) leading to teacher certification.
• NOT have participated in another South Carolina-approved alternative certification program.
• Submit a statement of disclosure to the provider regarding any prior convictions, including felonies and misdemeanors.

All employees of our partner districts are eligible to apply

Partner districts

• Chesterfield County School District
• Darlington County School District
• Dillon School District Four
• Florence School District Two
• Georgetown County School District
• Marion County School District

Steps to Apply

– Officially apply
– Complete your FASFA for 2024-2025
– Submit official transcripts
– Complete a writing sample
– Obtain three (3) letters of recommendation (at least two from the school/district personnel) with your Coker University application.

Applicants who meet the admissions requirements and program qualifications will be invited to interview.

Applicants accepted into the APEC Program at Coker University will attend a mandatory orientation session prior to the start of the program.

We are currently recruiting for Cohort 2 (May 2025).
Start date: Summer Term V

Program Outcomes

Successful completion of the APEC Program leads to: 

• South Carolina teaching certification
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instructional Technology Degree, M.Ed.CIT (with additional coursework)