TIPS Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of educator induction programs?
The intent of an educator induction program is to provide a systematic structure of support for all beginning educators. An induction program can help new educators improve their skills, develop professional responsibilities, and ultimately positively affect student learning in the classroom. printable PDF version
In addition to providing support to beginning educators, these programs allow veteran educators to reflect upon practice and unite the learning community as each individual works toward the same goal—improving the quality of education. An induction program can help new educators find themselves in an environment that cultivates continual growth and success.
The South Carolina Regulation for Assisting, Developing, and Evaluating Professional Teaching (ADEPT) [R 43-205.1] requires each school district to provide a system of support for beginning educators in the form of an induction program.
How does Charleston County School District (CCSD) support beginning educators?
A comprehensive induction program, such as CCSD’s TIPS, includes components such as:
- TIPS Kick-Off! (Orientation to the district and the community)
- School-based orientations
- Mentoring relationships between beginning educators and veteran educators
- Opportunities for networking with other educators
- Professional growth opportunities for beginning educators that provide vital information on topics that are relevant to beginning educators during their first year
- Mentor training to help develop the skills of the veteran educators serving as mentors
- Evaluations to give beginning educators, the opportunity to gain an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and to grow professionally
Why must induction educators participate in TIPS, the district's state-approved induction program?
According to ADEPT Regulation, CCSD must develop and implement a plan to provide induction-contract teachers with comprehensive guidance and assistance throughout the school year. District induction plans must comply with the State Board of Education’s guidelines for assisting induction-contract teachers and must be approved by the State Board of Education prior to implementation. CCSD is required to submit end-of-year evaluation information on teachers employed under induction contracts to the state Department of Education. Educators who successfully complete TIPS will be eligible to complete the STEP 2/formal evaluation process, a state requirement for advancing from an initial to a professional certificate.
What is an Initial Certificate, and why is it important to obtain a Professional Certificate?
Beginning or induction educators are issued an initial certificate by the South Carolina State Board of Education and are therefore eligible for hire within public school districts in South Carolina. As long as an educator holds an initial certificate, the Employment and Dismissal Act does not apply. Therefore, it is within the best interest of the initial certificate holder to fulfill the State Board of Education’s requirements for advancement to a professional certificate.
The Employment and Dismissal Act applies to educators who hold a professional certificate.
What does the South Carolina Department of Education require of an Initial Certificate holder to advance to a Professional Certificate?
Converting an initial certificate to a professional certificate requires the educator to complete BOTH of the following requirements:
- Successful completion of the PRAXIS II, Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam (indicate on your Education Testing Services’ registration form that PLT scores should be sent directly to the South Carolina Department of Education)
- Successful completion of STEP 2 and Formal Evaluation (evaluation results are sent in June of each year to the South Carolina Department of Education by the Office of Teacher Quality)
Once an educator holding an initial certificate completes the requirements outlined above by the expiration date of the initial certificate, the South Carolina Department of Education will automatically advance the initial certificate to a professional certificate.
What are the criteria that induction educators must successfully complete during STEP 1 and the Induction year?
In order to advance to STEP 2, STEP 1 educators must meet the following criteria:
- Success Criteria #1: Attend the district and school orientation sessions.
- Success Criteria #2: Participate in professional growth opportunities and submit documentation to verify participation.
- Success Criteria #3: Demonstrate competent teaching performance, which is documented on the Building Administrator’s Formal Feedback Form (STEP 1 evaluation instrument)
- Success Criteria #4: Complete all other school requirements
Induction educators who successfully complete the district’s state-approved induction program may be eligible to complete the STEP 2 and the formal evaluation process required by the state department to advance to a professional certificate.
What happens if an induction educator fails to meet the success criteria of STEP 1 and the Induction year?
Failure to meet the four STEP 1 success criteria will result in an induction educator receiving a “NOT MET” judgment for TIPS.
If granted a contract for the 20010-2011 school year, the induction educator’s contract status will be negatively impacted by this “NOT MET” judgment. Furthermore, meeting the State Board of Education requirements for advancement from an initial certificate to a professional certificate could take longer than necessary, thus prolonging the time by which the Employment and Dismissal Act does not apply.
How do I learn more about TIPS and the other supports CCSD provides for new teachers?
Please contact Melissa Parrish, the TIPS Facilitator in the Office of Teacher Employment, via email or at (843) 937-6572.