Are you looking to pursue a career in teaching in South Carolina?
This South Carolina Teaching and Certification Resource provides an overview of the eligibility and requirements, approved teacher education programs, tests, and application process for teaching certification in the state.
Additionally, it outlines teacher shortages and efforts to address them.
Get the information you need to jumpstart your teaching career in South Carolina!
Eligibility and Requirements for Teaching Certification in South Carolina
In order to become certified for teaching in South Carolina, individuals must meet the minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and the necessary Praxis assessments. Completion of an approved South Carolina teacher preparation program is also required, as well as a background check.
Alternative routes are available for those without a teacher preparation program. Approved programs must be accredited by the US Department of Education or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Teacher education requirements also include student teaching internships and a letter of recommendation from a program official.
Praxis exams must be taken to demonstrate subject expertise, and applicants must submit fingerprints for a background check. Once all requirements are met, applicants can apply for certification with the South Carolina Department of Education.
Approved Teacher Education Programs in South Carolina
Completion of an approved South Carolina teacher preparation program is crucial for certification. Programs not approved by the South Carolina Department of Education will not qualify graduates for licensure.
Out-of-state programs must be accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies overseen by the US Department of Education. Out-of-state online programs must be approved by the respective state’s teacher licensing authority and Board of Education.
Accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is considered a mark of excellence. Program options include traditional classroom-based as well as hybrid and online programs. It is important to research and select a program that meets state board of education requirements.
Additionally, programs must be approved by the state board of education and adhere to the standards set forth by the department of education.
Teacher Education Requirements in South Carolina
To become certified as a teacher in South Carolina, there are several requirements that must be met. The first requirement is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. This degree should be obtained from a reputable institution to ensure that the candidate has received a quality education.
In addition to the bachelor’s degree, individuals must also complete an approved teacher preparation program. This program is designed to provide aspiring teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the classroom. It covers topics such as instructional strategies, classroom management, and assessment methods.
Once the bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program are completed, applicants must pass the Praxis assessments. These assessments are used to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the subject area they wish to teach. They are designed to ensure that teachers have a strong foundation in their chosen subject and are prepared to effectively teach it to students.
For individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program in another state, there are additional requirements. The out-of-state program must be accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies overseen by the US Department of Education. Alternatively, it must be approved by the respective state’s teacher licensing authority and Board of Education. This ensures that the program meets the necessary standards for teacher preparation.
For those who have a bachelor’s degree but have not completed a teacher preparation program, there are alternative paths to certification available. These paths provide individuals with the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills through alternative means, such as completing an alternative certification program or participating in a teaching internship.
Teacher Testing Requirements in South Carolina
Passing scores on the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) and Praxis subject assessments are required for teacher certification in South Carolina. Specific exams required depend on the subject(s) the candidate wishes to teach.
Out-of-state online programs must be approved by the respective state’s teacher licensing authority and Board of Education. Some teacher preparation programs may substitute the edTPA portfolio-based assessment for the PLT exam.
Accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is also considered a mark of excellence.
South Carolina Teacher Certification Application Process
Submitting fingerprints for a state and federal background check is mandatory for the South Carolina teacher certification application process. Additionally, applicants must submit official, sealed transcripts from each college or university attended, a College Recommendation Form signed by a designated teacher preparation program official, and passing scores on required Praxis II content area exams and the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT).
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints | Submit fingerprints for a state and federal background check |
| Official Transcripts | Submit official, sealed transcripts from each college or university attended |
| Recommendation Form | Signed by designated teacher preparation program official |
| Praxis II | Passing scores on required Praxis II content area exams |
| Praxis PLT | Passing scores on the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) |
Teacher Shortages in South Carolina and Efforts to Address Them
According to the US Department of Education, South Carolina reports teacher shortages in various disciplines. The state offers incentives such as loan forgiveness programs and scholarships to attract and retain teachers. To address these shortages, the state has implemented various measures. These include partnerships between schools and universities to provide alternative pathways into teaching. Additionally, recruitment campaigns and marketing efforts have been launched to attract individuals to the profession. Professional development programs and mentorship initiatives have also been put in place to support teachers. Furthermore, collaboration between schools, districts, and policymakers is being encouraged to identify and address regional needs.
The long-term implications of teacher shortages can be far-reaching. It is crucial to address them in order to ensure a well-prepared and skilled workforce for the future.
Conclusion
South Carolina has taken steps to address teacher shortages by establishing various teacher certification requirements, approved teacher education programs, tests, and application processes.
As a result, individuals interested in becoming certified teachers in the state of South Carolina will find a wealth of resources and options available to them.
The South Carolina Teaching and Certification Resource provides an overview of these requirements, helping to ensure a successful transition into the teaching profession.
