The Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) is designed to allow qualified individuals to enter the field of education from other careers. The requirements allow individuals with a degree in the content area they intend to teach to enter the classroom while completing the requirements for professional certification.

PACE is managed by the South Carolina Department of Education's Office of Educator Certification. Complete information about PACE admission guidelines and program requirements can be found at http://www.scteachers.org/cert/pace/PACE.cfm.

To qualify for PACE, you must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in the content area you intend to teach. The "degree equivalents" in approved PACE content areas can be found at www.scteachers.org/cert/pace/degree.cfm. You must also have a minimum of two-years work experience including one year of consecutive full-time work and a passing score(s) on the appropriate Praxis II content area test(s). A list of the tests required for South Carolina can be found at: http://www.scteachers.org/Cert/exam.cfm.

Do You Qualify for PACE? 

To determine if you meet the qualifications for PACE, complete the self-test at http://www.scteachers.org/cert/pace/selftest.cfm. Also, the State Department of Education's Office of Educator Certification can provide a free evaluation of your transcripts. Submit the Request for Change form (www.scteachers.org/Cert/certpdf/reqchgact.pdf) to the address at the top of the form along with a copy of your transcripts.

PACE in South Carolina 

PACE is a very important contributor to classrooms across the state. Over the past six years (2001-2006), the program has accounted for seven percent of all new teachers hired in the state. Through research and conversations with individuals who want to switch their careers to teaching, the non-profit organization "Recruiting New Teachers" identified five reasons why mid-career changers are drawn to teaching careers. South Carolina's PACE participants often site the same reasons:

1. To give back. Successful mid-career professionals often want to "pay back" that great teacher or the educational community that helped them achieve academically and personally.
2. To put experience to use. Mid-career changers want to bring various experience to the classroom, such as expertise developed in another career, maturity, negotiating skills, or parenting experience.
3. To change the meaning of "work." Mid-career changers often go into teaching for the opportunity to mentor and interact with young people, to get closer to their community, and to awaken young minds.
4. To follow one successful career with another. Individuals with experience in the military, the Peace Corps, and other careers often have the drive and commitment to be successful teachers.
5. To share knowledge and passion. Mid-career changers combine the enthusiasm and dedication of new teachers with deep understanding of subjects such as mathematics, science, literature, or technology.

Alleviating the Teacher Shortage 

Each year the State Board of Education designates a list of critical subjects and critical geographic areas in the state. Critical subjects are those content areas that districts have the most difficulty finding teachers. Critical geographic areas are districts that have the most difficulty finding teachers in all content areas.

The lists of critical subject and critical geographic areas change from year to year, but once you are fully admitted to PACE, you are grandfathered as long as you do not change districts. There are several subject areas for which PACE does not have a degree equivalent and, therefore, these areas are not eligible for the PACE program. These subjects include elementary education, early childhood education, most special education-with the exception of emotionally handicapped, administration, and guidance.

Teacher Salaries 

Districts pay differing salary amounts, however there is a state minimum that all districts must meet. Salaries reflect day contracts: 180 contact days with students and 10 inservice/work days. The average salary for a first year teacher, with a bachelor's degree and teaching experience is $27,869. PACE participants with a master's degree are eligible for a higher salary. More information on salaries can be found on our salaries page. The state also provides health insurance and retirement benefits.

Finding a Teaching Position 

CERRA provides a listing of jobs in K-12 schools by subject area, district or both. A list of teaching positions can be found on our Job Bank page. The primary hiring period for South Carolina schools is May through June. While districts may know of positions before this time, teachers are required to let districts know of their intent to return to the district by April 25 each year. After this date, districts have a very good idea of the positions they will need to fill. In addition, CERRA, the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, and the State Department of Education host an annual Teacher Job Expo, in early June.

As of March 17, 2008, CERRA launched the updated South Carolina Educator Employment and Certification Application System, a common job application that is accepted by all school districts in the state and allows the applicant to apply for teacher certification in a single application. The application can be found at http://www.winthrop.edu/scteach. When you complete the application, it will be accessible to each district that you have designated. However, don't hesitate to contact the district on your own to let them know you are interested and have submitted an application.

Additional information concerning South Carolina's districts is available at www.myscschools.com/PublicInformation/schooldirectory.cfm.

PACE Eligibility

When you begin looking for a teaching position as a PACE participant, districts will ask for a Statement of Eligibility. This document will be provided by the State Department of Education's Office of Educator Certification upon review of your initial certification application. It will indicate to school district personnel that you are eligible for admission to PACE. To receive a Statement of Eligibility:

1. Complete the Initial Certification Application (includes a finger print card and requires a $75 application fee), and submit it to the State Department of Education's Office of Teacher Certification. You can request the application by phone or email (http://www.scteachers.org/global/contact.cfm). Remember, the Office of Teacher Certification will review your transcripts at no cost to determine if you qualify for PACE. However, they will need the completed application to issue the Statement of Eligibility.
2. Submit official sealed copies of your college transcripts with the completed initial Certification Application packet.
3. Provide verification of two years of full time work experience by completing the PACE Prior Work Experience form that can be printed at: www.scteachers.org/cert/Certpdf/PACEwkexp.pdf.
4. Present a passing score on the Praxis II content area examination(s) required for the PACE content area in which you qualify. Learn more about the Praxis test at www.ets.org/praxis/prxstate.html. You can also learn about the availability of study guides for Praxis preparation at www.ets.org/praxis/prxorder.html#guides.