South Carolina has launched a five-year pilot program that allows public schools to hire non-certified teachers for up to 10% of their teaching staff. The initiative is designed to address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage by bringing experienced professionals into classrooms while maintaining educational standards.
Key Provisions of the Pilot Program
Under the new program, schools may employ non-certified teachers if they meet specific requirements:
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Educational and Professional Background: Candidates must hold a relevant bachelor’s or graduate degree and have at least five years of work experience in the subject they plan to teach.
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Pathway to Certification: Non-certified hires are required to enroll in a state-approved educator certification program within three years of employment. This can be a traditional or alternative route.
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Training and Evaluation: Non-certified teachers must complete initial and ongoing training and are subject to the same performance evaluations as certified educators.
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Background Checks: All applicants must pass state and federal criminal background checks, including fingerprinting, to ensure student safety.
Participation is optional and requires approval from both the school principal and the district superintendent. The South Carolina Department of Education will monitor the program’s implementation and track its outcomes.
Legislative Background and Objectives
The original proposal was limited to schools with certain performance ratings or those in high-need areas. However, revisions to the bill have extended eligibility to all public schools across the state. The legislation received unanimous support in the General Assembly, signaling strong bipartisan agreement on the need for flexible solutions to the teacher shortage.
Supporters of the program emphasize that schools have the discretion to participate and that the state will provide oversight to ensure educational quality remains high.
Oversight and Future Evaluation
Annual reports will be submitted to the legislature starting in 2026 to measure the program’s impact and suggest improvements. A full evaluation will be completed by late 2029 to determine whether the program should be continued or modified beyond its scheduled end in 2030.
This pilot program marks a bold step by South Carolina to tackle staffing challenges in education while creating alternative pathways for professionals to enter the classroom.
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