School Teacher Requirements in South Carolina

South Carolina, ranking 24th in population, has 699,198 students. There are 1,177 public schools, broken down into 626 elementary, 255 middle, and 251 high schools. South Carolina ranks 50th in average combined SAT and ACT scores (the two most common national standardized tests), with an average SAT score of 844 and ACT score of 18.9. South Carolina has about an average graduation rate of 66.3%.

South Carolina Teacher Certification Requirements:

  • Initial Teaching Certificate (valid for 3 years)
  • Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
  • Complete an approved South Carolina Teacher Preparation Program or the Program for Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE)
  • Complete the Praxis II: Content Subject Matter test in appropriate field/s
  • Fulfill state fingerprinting requirements
  • Pass a criminal background check through the state and FBI
  • Complete the certification application packet, including transcripts, certifications, and references
  • Pay any applicable fees

Some districts may require additional training and certification.

South Carolina Teacher Employment Outlook:

Although South Carolina is currently ranked last in standardized testing, this number is to be taken with a grain of salt since these tests aren’t as widely taken in the state. However, the state is looking for teachers that are well versed in material on the test as they are striving to improve scores and number of students taking the tests. Following the national trend, South Carolina is also looking to expand its education in technology, so teachers with experience in areas such as computer science are valued as well. The teaching industry has proved to be a relatively stable job market, and even through the budget cuts of the recession teachers have faired well. As in any state, it is a good idea to have a Masters or PhD as that is certainly an eye catcher for prospective employers, as well as providing increased salary opportunities.

South Carolina Teachers Salary Expectation:

South Carolina is ranked 32nd in the nation when it comes to teacher salaries, the average salary being $46,306 in 2009-2010. In the last three years teachers in South Carolina have seen an average 6.56% wage increase. Because of the fact South Carolina pays its teachers better then anywhere else in the United States, teaching in South Carolina is a very attractive proposition. The average cost of living in the state is relatively high however, so take the statistic with a grain of salt, many teachers in South Carolina are forced to pick up part time work tutoring or teaching summer school in the months students have off for break.