South Carolina teaching certification: People in South Carolina must go through a process required by the state’s department of education in order to work as public school instructors.
Aspiring teachers are required to complete a student teaching practicum in order to get classroom experience in addition to earning a degree in teacher preparation that has been authorized. Additionally, they must succeed in a series of tests that cover state standards.
Teachers in South Carolina may anticipate earnings in the $50,000 level, and this is true for both first-time college students and graduates who are thinking about returning to school to get a teaching degree. To find out how to become a teacher in South Carolina, keep reading.
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South Carolina’s Teachers’ Employment Outlook
In South Carolina, employment opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school teachers are expected to increase by 3-4% between 2018 and 2028, slower than the 7-8% projected national growth for these occupations. Even though there might be fewer brand-new teaching job vacancies during this time period, those wishing to start careers in education should anticipate seeing plenty of openings each year as current teachers shift to different jobs or leave the industry.
As of 2020, the median yearly salary for these educators was between $52,000 and $56,000. Although South Carolina’s cost of living is higher than the national average, this wage range is lower.
Those who pursue a master’s degree in education in graduate school may be able to earn more money and more advanced qualifications.
How to Become a Teacher in South Carolina
In order to become certified to teach in South Carolina, candidates must follow certain requirements set forth by the state’s Department of Education. First-time applicants receive an initial certification that permits them to begin working in the grade level and subject matter that have been authorized.
Residents of South Carolina who are applying for certification for the first time must adhere to the following guidelines. There are numerous procedures that out-of-state educators must take in order to transfer their license from one state to the other.
Get the Minimum Required Education
Anyone wishing to apply for teacher certification in South Carolina must complete a bachelor’s degree-level educator preparation program that has been approved by the state’s Department of Education.
Licensed programs must:
- Have regional accreditation
- By the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation be programmatically accredited
- Add a component for student teaching or an internship
- Get State Board of Education approval
A list of accredited in-state programs for educator preparation is available from the State Board of Education (SBE) of South Carolina. This makes it easier for students to choose a curriculum that meets certification requirements. The SBE does not currently have any specified GPA or coursework requirements. Nonetheless, as part of the certification procedure, applicants must produce official transcripts.
Obtain Experience Teaching Students
Anyone wishing to teach in South Carolina must complete student teaching as part of the application process. This is normally accomplished through an educator preparation degree, which calls for a semester of full-time employment as a teacher at an authorized local primary or secondary school.
Student instructors can begin honing their abilities in classroom management, lesson planning, assessments and grading, and offering one-to-one support to learners as necessary while working under the guidance of a qualified teacher.
These opportunities help students get ready to run their own classrooms once they graduate. These aspiring teachers also pick up networking skills and how to create a network of other educators.
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Passing the Necessary Certification Exams
Graduates of educator preparation programs must pass a series of tests before being granted initial certification.
- Pedagogy Assessment: The Pedagogy Assessment verifies that candidates have the teaching abilities necessary to direct classes and administer tests. Students can select between the edTPA performance evaluation, the PPAT performance assessment, or the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.
- Subject-Matter Exams: The majority of certificates need that candidates pass a Praxis subject-matter test administered by the Educational Testing Service. This test makes that aspiring teachers are knowledgeable about the subject matter.
Request Certification
The SBE has defined the many procedures that applicants must complete in the application process. These at the moment include:
- Submit an application for certification.
- Submit the required documents for the criminal history check and fingerprinting process.
- Pay a $105 processing fee that is not refundable.
- Submit the recommendation form for the college together with the official transcripts.
- Pedagogy and subject knowledge assessment results must be submitted.
When the applicant booked their exams, if they had to retake any tests, and the SBE’s current processing schedule all affect how long it takes to finish these steps. To find out the status of their application for certification, users can visit the Educator Portal.
How Can I Maintain my South Carolina Teaching Certification?
A valid teaching license granted by the South Carolina Department of Education is necessary to practice teaching in the state. Every five years, these licenses must be renewed in order to maintain their validity.
Within the five-year licensure period, South Carolina teachers must complete at least 120 renewal credits. Teachers must complete the Read to Succeed endorsement program and a suicide prevention course in addition to generalist credits.
Teachers in training can complete their remaining credits by taking courses at a nearby college or university or by participating in customary professional continuing education activity. For instance, one credit of postsecondary coursework equates to 20 renewal credits.
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Teaching Jobs in High Demand in South Carolina
Elementary Schools Teacher
Teachers at elementary schools instruct students in grades 1–5. Teachers in elementary schools not only teach students the fundamentals of math, science, and language arts, but also get them ready for the demands of middle school. They collaborate with other instructors and school personnel on student needs while creating lesson plans and classroom management techniques.
$52,960 is the average annual salary.
Middle Schools Teachers
Teachers at middle schools work with pupils in grades 6 through 8. These grades focus on elementary school foundations and get students ready for high school’s more difficult subjects. To gauge students’ understanding and development, middle school teachers offer and evaluate examinations and homework. Also, they aid pupils in getting ready for state-mandated standardized exams.
$54,020 is the average annual salary.
High School Teachers
High school instructors instruct pupils in grades 9 through 12, and they have a particular area of expertise, such as science, math, history, or English. Moreover, they might instruct Advanced classes. Together with instructing students in these topics, high school teachers also help them get ready for college or the workforce.
$53,950 in average annual salary
Special Education Teachers
Working with pupils who have emotional, learning, mental, and/or physical challenges is the responsibility of special education teachers. To ensure that each student receives the customized support and instruction required for success, they create individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student. Together with other instructors, school officials, and parents or guardians, they also talk about student progress.
$55,240 is the median annual salary.
Vocational and Technical Education Teachers
These educators foster employable and practical abilities that are directly related to careers. These educators put a strong emphasis on technical occupational skills while instructing students on how to become auto mechanics or nail technicians. Like other instructors, they design classes, assign homework, and evaluate student development.
$56,570 is the median annual salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What requirements must one meet to become a teacher in South Carolina?
Candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree from an authorized college or university, pass the necessary Praxis exams, and pass a background check in order to be eligible for teaching certification in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, how long does it take to become a teacher?
In South Carolina, the standard route to becoming a certified teacher requires a little bit more time than four years. Students complete a bachelor's degree in educator preparation that has been approved by the state. Also, they pursue a semester-long internship in student teaching.
How much does a teacher in South Carolina make when they first start out?
With a master's degree, you'll start out with a greater pay than you would with a bachelor's. The South Carolina General Assembly increased the beginning compensation for teachers to $40,000 in 2022. That is a $4000 gain from the previous year.
What kind of instructor is in demand the most?
Which academic subject is in demand the most? Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are fields that are constantly in demand, however exact needs differ each institution.
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