As a teacher, you’ll have one of the most important jobs in our society. Introducing young minds to new information and helping to shape their futures takes dedication, patience and a passion for children. If you’re considering becoming a teacher in South Carolina, keep reading to find out what you’ll need to do to become certified.
South Carolina Teacher Certification Requirements
South Carolina Teacher Certification Types
South Carolina offers six types of teaching certificates. The Alternate Route Certificate, Temporary Certificate and Internship Certificate are issued to those who have not yet completed the requirements for the Initial Certificate. Those with Initial Certificates may advance to the Professional Certificate after they fulfill the necessary requirements. The International Certificate is issued to qualified international graduates.
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South Carolina Teacher Education
To become a teacher in South Carolina, you must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university or a state-approved teacher education program.
South Carolina Teacher Certification Exam
To get your certification, you’ll need to pass the Praxis I Basic Skills Exam, the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam, and the appropriate Praxis II content area exam.
Teacher Experience
During your teacher education program, you will participate in a practicum and a student teaching internship to gain experience.
Background Check
To become a certified teacher, South Carolina requires all applicants to undergo a criminal history background check.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- South Carolina Alternative Teacher Certification: Those wishing to teach but who haven’t graduated from a teacher education program can still teach in South Carolina via an alternate certification route such as Teach for America, the American Board for Certification of Teaching Excellence, the Program of Alternative Certification for Educators and the Adjunct Teaching Certification. All of these do require that you have at least a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: Your Initial Certificate is valid for three years, during which time you can work to upgrading your certificate to the Professional Certificate. The Professional certificate is valid for five years and is renewable as long as you complete the required 120 renewal credit hours of work relating to your professional growth plan.
- South Carolina Substitute Teaching: South Carolina doesn’t require its substitute teachers to hold a permit or certificate. Instead, requirements for substitute teachers vary by each school district.
- Reciprocity: Qualified out-of-state teachers can become certified to teach in South Carolina via reciprocity. The Reciprocal Initial Certification is issued to teachers with less than 27 months of full-time teaching experience, and the Reciprocal Professional Certification is issued to those with more than 27 months of experience.
Discover teacher certification programs in South Carolina that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in South Carolina?
Teachers in South Carolina are responsible for maintaining and delivering lesson plans that include the most current and educational information to children in your classroom. You’ll also be expected to be up-to-date with today’s technology, work closely with other teachers, communicate with the families of your students, and address any behavioral issues.
South Carolina Teacher Salary
Yearly salaries for teachers differ according to where they teach, what content they teach, and what grade levels they teach. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information on the average salary for teachers across the state of South Carolina. According to the Bureau, elementary school teachers in the state make a yearly average of $48,480. Middle school teachers in South Carolina make an average of $50,190 per year. High school teachers in the state earn a yearly average of $51,670.
South Carolina Teacher Certification Links
Teacher Certification Programs in South Carolina
Teacher Certification Programs in South Carolina
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!