Alternative Pathways
TeachSC Tools and Resources
If you need support in choosing or applying for a preparation program our partners at TeachSC have free tools and resources, including one-on-one coaching calls, to help you decide the right pathway for you. PLUS, they can help you apply to a program (and provide financial support, too!). Access these resources by signing up here!
Alternative Certification and the SCDE
Alternative certification programs allow potential educators, who meet the eligibility requirements, to obtain certification and teach in South Carolina public schools. Most alternative certification programs lead to the issuance of a professional, renewable certificate upon program completion. If you have questions about alternative certification in South Carolina, please contact the SC Department of Education by visiting their website.
Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification (APEC) Program
The APEC Program offered through Columbia College prepares students through coursework, classroom experiences, and mentoring to become successful classroom teachers. This flexible pathway offers evening and hybrid courses allowing participants to complete a work-embedded teacher residency during school hours. The APEC faculty continue to support fellows after they complete the program and into their first year of teaching.
Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (CarolinaCAP)
Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation, CarolinaCAP, is a non-degree program leading to full licensure for candidates. It is a collaboration among South Carolina School Districts, the University of South Carolina, and the Center for Teaching Quality with the goal to create a high quality alternative pathway into teaching that marries the expertise of local teachers, schools, and districts with non-profits, ed tech companies, and institutions of higher education.
Converse Alternative Certification -
Art Education (CACAE)
Art Education (CACAE)
The Converse Alternative Certification–Art Education (CACAE) at Converse College is a State Board Approved alternative route program for the preparation of teachers in the field of art. The program targets prospective teachers who have obtained undergraduate degrees in studio art and other related applied arts fields. CACAE partners with Spartanburg School District Five, Greenville County School District, and other designated school districts.
Teachers of Tomorrow
In 1984, to address critical teaching shortages in South Carolina, the South Carolina General Assembly provided for the establishment of alternative routes to certification in S.C. Code Ann. § 59-26-30(A)(8). During the 2017 legislative session, the General Assembly authorized Teachers of Tomorrow as a non-traditional or alternative route to certification for individuals with a least a bachelor’s degree but who have not completed a teacher preparation program.
Teachers of Tomorrow was founded in Texas in 2005, in response to a growing teacher shortage and is South Carolina's first approved for-profit alternative route teacher preparation provider.
Teachers of Tomorrow was founded in Texas in 2005, in response to a growing teacher shortage and is South Carolina's first approved for-profit alternative route teacher preparation provider.
Call Me Mister
The “Call Me Mister” program seeks to recruit, train, certify and secure employment for 200 males as elementary teachers in South Carolina's public schools. Call Me MISTER (which stands for Men Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) combines the special strengths of Clemson University with individualized instructional programs offered at Benedict College, Morris College, Claflin University, South Carolina State University, and College of Charleston, as well as four two-year institutions, Midlands Technical College, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Tri-County Technical College and Trident Technical College.
Contact: 800.640.2657, https://www.clemson.edu/education/callmemister/, or e-mail wholton@clemson.edu.
Contact: 800.640.2657, https://www.clemson.edu/education/callmemister/, or e-mail wholton@clemson.edu.
Program for Recruitment and Retention of Minority Teachers
This program recognizes the need to greatly expand the pool of minority teacher candidates. Housed at South Carolina State University, it recruits and supports non-traditional students (primarily teacher aides and technical college transfers) by offering scholarships and academic assistance.
Career and Technology Education
While Career and Technology Education (CATE) teachers may follow the traditional pathway through college to become educators, the state provides for an alternative path that gives credit for work experience rather than requiring an undergraduate degree.
Program of Alternative Certification
for Educators (PACE)
To address critical teaching shortages in South Carolina, the South Carolina General Assembly provided for a conditional certification program as part of the 1984 Education Improvement Act. The purpose of the program is to enable degreed individuals, who otherwise do not meet certification requirements, to gain employment in the public schools in a critical need subject area teaching position and/or in a critical geographic area where teacher shortages exist, as determined annually by the State Board of Education. Eligible candidates are enrolled in a series of training seminars and workshops as well as graduate courses which lead to their professional certification.
The Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) is South Carolina's alternative route for certification.
The Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) is South Carolina's alternative route for certification.
Troops to Teachers / Spouses to Teachers
Troops to Teachers is a federally funded program assisting former members of the Armed Forces, as well as National Guard and Reserve personnel, with the opportunity to pursue a second career in public education. Eligible veterans may receive either a scholarship of up to $5,000 to assist in attaining teacher certification or a $10,000 incentive bonus for agreeing to teach for three years in specific school districts in South Carolina.
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)
Founded in 2001 via a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, ABCTE addresses the need for knowledgeable and dedicated teachers in every classroom. We offer a flexible and cost-effective certification program designed for career changers. ABCTE opens new pathways into the classroom, helping states, districts and communities meet the needs of their students. To meet its goals, ABCTE has developed the Passport to Teaching certification and the Teach and Inspire program.
Teach for America
Teach For America’s mission is to enlist, develop, and mobilize as many as possible of our nation’s most promising future leaders to grow and strengthen the movement for educational equity and excellence. Their vision is that One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.
Teach For America has been in South Carolina since 2011, and has about 100 current corps members (first and second year teachers) who will teach in high-needs South Carolina schools this year in our partner districts. Our partner districts include elementary, middle, and high schools in Orangeburg, Clarendon, Darlington, Marlboro, Florence, Marion, Williamsburg, Berkeley, Colleton, and Charleston. In addition to our 100 first- and second year teachers, we also have 300+ Teach For America alumni (alumni = corps members who have completed their two year commitment) living all over South Carolina and working in every field/sector. They partner with Francis Marion University to provide pathways to certification and a Master’s degree in education, if desired. More information is available on their regional South Carolina website.
- Enlist. They recruit remarkable and diverse individuals to become teachers in low-income communities. They commit to teach for two years and are hired by our partner public schools across the country. During these two years they are called corps members.
- Develop. They train and support corps members in the practices of great teachers and leaders. With hard work, perseverance, and strong partnerships with their students, students’ families, and communities, corps members can dramatically increase the opportunities available to their students in school and in life.
- Mobilize. Corps members don’t just teach their students, they learn from them. At the end of two years, they use those lessons to choose their path forward. Many stay in the classroom. Others move into politics, school leadership, nonprofit work, advocacy, and more. All of their paths matter because together they form a network—connecting, expanding, and strengthening the movement to give all kids access to a great education.
Teach For America has been in South Carolina since 2011, and has about 100 current corps members (first and second year teachers) who will teach in high-needs South Carolina schools this year in our partner districts. Our partner districts include elementary, middle, and high schools in Orangeburg, Clarendon, Darlington, Marlboro, Florence, Marion, Williamsburg, Berkeley, Colleton, and Charleston. In addition to our 100 first- and second year teachers, we also have 300+ Teach For America alumni (alumni = corps members who have completed their two year commitment) living all over South Carolina and working in every field/sector. They partner with Francis Marion University to provide pathways to certification and a Master’s degree in education, if desired. More information is available on their regional South Carolina website.
