EPI Center empowers educators to achieve National Board Certification

The Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) is proud to announce that it has successfully assisted nearly two dozen educators in navigating the prestigious, rigorous path to National Board Certification.

The newest cohort includes 22 dedicated teachers from Barnwell County School District, Richland School District One, Richland School District Two, and Orangeburg County School District. Beyond South Carolina, the EPI Center’s reach has expanded to support educators in Maryland and Illinois, reflecting its growing influence on the national teaching landscape.

National Board Certification is recognized as the “gold standard” in the teaching profession. To ensure success, the EPI Center provides support through the comprehensive three-year program.

“National Board Certification is the most respected teaching credential an educator can obtain,” said Nadine Edney, EPI Center Professional Development Coordinator. “Not only does it validate a teacher’s expertise, but it also provides lucrative benefits, including higher salaries and significant professional incentives.”

The EPI Center’s success is not limited to those who have completed the process. The organization is assisting more than 200 additional teachers in completing their three-year journey, ensuring a steady pipeline of highly qualified, board-certified educators for years to come.

By collaborating closely with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and with school districts across multiple states, the EPI Center is actively elevating the standard of classroom instruction and helping schools retain top-tier talent through professional advancement.

School districts looking to increase their number of National Board Certified Teachers and provide their staff with world-class professional development are invited to collaborate. To learn more about how your district can partner with the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation, please call 854-222-7243 or email [email protected]

About the EPI Center

The EPI Center is a self-sustaining, national 501(c) (3) nonprofit established in 2021 on the campus of Voorhees University by Founder and CEO Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell. The EPI Center was established to redefine educator preparation through pathbreaking, research-driven approaches. With a commitment to elevating teacher effectiveness, the organization provides a comprehensive continuum of services designed to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to drive student success. The Center is located at 423 College Street in Batesburg-Leesville, SC.