Charleston County
School District
Alternative Pathways to Teaching
Do you have a bachelor's degree and a passion for teaching?
Charleston County School District offers alternative pathways to certification for individuals seeking to transition into the teaching profession through non-traditional routes.
Our alternative certification programs provide opportunities for candidates with valuable education, experience, and expertise to become highly effective educators while working toward certification. Whether you are changing careers or pursuing a long-term goal of becoming a teacher, our team is available to help guide you through the process.
Kevin Smoak
Director, Pathways to Teaching
843-751-5903
Email
The Director of Pathways to Teaching is available to answer questions, discuss eligibility requirements, and help candidates explore certification options that align with their education, experience, and career goals.
Certification Areas Available
Primary Level
- Early Childhood (PK-3)
- Elementary (Grades 2-6)
Middle Level (Grades 5-8)
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- 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
- Art
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Music
- Special Education: Multi-Categorical
- World Languages (French or Spanish)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Have at least 18 credit hours in the desired certification area
- Have a minimum 2.75 GPA or have completed required coursework with a minimum grade equivalency of "C"
- Have not previously completed student teaching in a traditional teacher preparation program or earned a teaching certificate
Applicants with GPAs below 2.75 may still be considered through special eligibility criteria.