An Alternative Pathway to Teacher Certification in Charleston

 

Thank you for your interest in TeachCharleston, Charleston County School District's alternative certification pathway for talented, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals who wish to pursue South Carolina teacher certification

Your success is our priority. As a TeachCharleston Fellow, you are never alone in the classroom. From day one, you are immersed in a robust support system that includes intensive training, a collaborative peer cohort, and dedicated one-on-one coaching. You will serve as a full-time teacher of record, backed by a comprehensive three-year development program designed to ensure you thrive while you lead.

Certification Fields Offered

Primary Levels

• Early Childhood (PK–3)
• Elementary (Grades 2–6)

Middle Level (Grades 5–8)

• Middle Level Language Arts
• Middle Level Mathematics
• Middle Level Science
• Middle Level Social Studies

High School (Grades 9–12)

• Agriculture
• Business and Marketing Education
• Computer Science
• English
• Family and Consumer Science
• Industrial Technology Education
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

K–12 Specialty Area

• Art
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Music
• Special Education: Multi-Categorical
• World Languages (French or Spanish)

Why Choose TeachCharleston?

Our program is designed to bridge the gap between your professional background and your new career in education. You aren't just earning a certificate; you are joining a supported community of educators dedicated to student success. With expert guidance every step of the way, you will be empowered to lead your classroom and make a lasting impact on the lives of students.

Pathway to the Classroom

A three-phase process to becoming a certified educator.

Phase 1: Evaluation

Goal: Confirm your background meets South Carolina’s alternative certification standards.

• Step 1: Express Interest – Complete the TeachCharleston Interest Survey and submit transcripts from your regionally accredited Bachelor’s degree (or higher).
• Step 2: Meet Requirements – We confirm you have no prior student teaching/certification AND meet the following:
  • A conferred bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
  • At least 18 credit hours in the applicant’s intended teaching field with a grade of “C” or higher for applicants seeking certification in areas other than Special Education: Multi-Categorical, ESOL, Early Childhood, and Elementary.
• Outcome: Receive your official TeachCharleston Evaluation Letter listing your qualified certification areas.

Phase 2: Eligibility

Goal: Demonstrate your subject matter expertise and clear the interview.

• Step 1: Pass the Praxis – Register for and pass the Praxis Content Exam(s) for your specific subject area.
• Step 2: The Interview – Once your scores are submitted, you will be invited to an interview with the TeachCharleston team.
• Outcome: Following a successful interview, you will receive your official TeachCharleston Statement of Eligibility Letter..

Phase 3: Employment

Goal: Secure a position and begin your new career in a Charleston County School District (CCSD) classroom.

• Step 1: Apply to CCSD – Complete the CCSD Employment Application.
  • Upload the following documents to your CCSD employment application:
    • Professional resume
    • Copy of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts
    • Copy of Praxis score(s) report
    • Three professional references..  
• Step 2: Interview at Schools – If you are selected for a school interview, you will have the opportunity to showcase your passion and your potential to become an impactful teacher.
• Step 3: Secure an Offer – Receive and accept a formal Offer of Employment.
• Outcome: Sign your CCSD contract to officially become a TeachCharleston Fellow!

What Happens Next?

Once you sign your contract, your three-year journey begins. You will receive dedicated mentoring, professional coaching, and the hands-on training needed to thrive in your first years of teaching.

The Three-Year Program Roadmap

From your first day of training to your professional certification.

Year 1: Building The Foundation

Focus: Developing classroom management skills and essential pedagogy while leading your own classroom.

• Initial Training (Determined by your hire date):
  • Early Hires (By June 30): Attend Summer I Training in July. This includes three weeks of intensive, in-person preparation before you step into the classroom. Next session begins July 6, 2026.
  • Late Hires (After June 30): Attend Fall I Training (October–November). A hybrid of in-person and virtual sessions designed to support you while you are already teaching.
• Continuous Coaching: Receive one-on-one support from a dedicated TeachCharleston Coach.
• Professional Community: Participate in Monthly Fellowships and Quarterly Seminars for continuous support and coaching.

Year 2: Advancing Your Practice

Focus: Deepening instructional impact and preparing for long-term certification.

• Summer II Training: Complete one week of in-person advanced training in June. Next session begins June 1, 2026.
• Pedagogy Assessment: Prepare for and attempt the Praxis PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) exam.
• Ongoing Support: Continue receiving personalized coaching and attend Seminar 1 in the fall to further your professional growth.

Year 3: Maximizing Your Impact

Focus: Demonstrating excellence and finalizing state requirements.

• The Focus Project: Complete a culminating "Focus Project" that demonstrates your impact on student learning.
• Final Testing: Pass the Praxis PLT exam (if not already completed).
• Ongoing Support: Continue receiving personalized coaching and attend Seminar 1 in the fall to finalize your professional development.
• The Finish Line: Upon successful completion, you are eligible to request your Professional South Carolina Teaching Certificate!

 

 

TeachCharleston - Ella Larson is fulfilling her dream of working with children

December 19, 2025