Get Your South Carolina Teaching Certification
If you want to become a teacher in South Carolina, it is a straightforward process. If you graduated from an accredited college or university with a state-approved teacher preparation program, you have done most of the work to receive certification to teach. You will need to provide some information to complete your certification process.
To apply for your Initial Certificate, you will need to submit an application form, official transcripts from your school, a recommendation form completed by your school, official score reports from the assessment exams you completed during your education, and all applicable fees. You will also need to schedule an appointment with Integrated Biometric Technology to have your fingerprints taken for a criminal background check. Once you receive your Initial Certificate, it will be valid for three years.
Having received your certification to teach in South Carolina, you will now want to secure a teaching position. Columbia is serviced by three school districts: Richland County School District One that encompasses both urban and suburban populations, Richland County School District Two that is a nationally recognized district in a fast-growing area, and Lexington & Richland County School District Five that is primarily a suburban district. Charleston County School District services both Charleston and North Charleston, the second and third largest cities in South Carolina. Greenville County School District is the largest district in the state. This district has received recognition for academic achievement and closing the gap in groups that are traditionally underachieving.
After having taught for three years in South Carolina with your Initial Certificate, you will then need to apply for a Professional Certificate. In order to qualify for this certification, you will need to pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching Test, have completed the formal mentoring and support program, and completed three years of teaching. Once you are issued the Professional Certificate, it will be valid for five years and renewable with 120 professional development credits every five years.
