How To Become a High School Teacher in South Carolina 2025

If you're wondering how to become a high school teacher in South Carolina, you're not alone. Teaching at the high school level is a meaningful career that allows you to help students prepare for college, careers, and adulthood. The state has a clear process for certification, and understanding the steps early on can help you stay on track as you begin your journey.

Becoming a high school teacher requires meeting several key qualifications. You'll need to fulfill the high school teacher educational requirements set by the South Carolina Department of Education, including a bachelor's degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, and passing required licensure exams. A high school teacher must also complete student teaching and apply for certification before leading a classroom. Keep reading to learn more.

What Does a High School Teacher Do?

High school teacher responsibilities include planning and delivering instruction to students in grades nine through 12. Teachers help students build critical thinking skills, understand complex topics, and prepare for postsecondary education or the workforce. In South Carolina, high school teachers also support students' personal growth and ensure all learners meet state academic standards.

A teacher's day involves more than just classroom instruction. Teachers must manage classroom behavior, assess student progress, and collaborate with families and staff. They also participate in professional development and contribute to the overall success of their school community. Below are a few things teachers can expect to do day to day:

• prepare lessons
• deliver instruction in specific subjects
• assess and grade student work
• provide academic support and feedback
• manage classroom behavior
• communicate with families and staff
• attend meetings and training
• support students' college and career readiness

How To Become a High School Teacher in South Carolina

To become a high school teacher in South Carolina, you'll need to meet state certification requirements set by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). While pathways may vary, most candidates complete a teacher preparation program, pass licensure exams, and apply for state certification. Your path may depend on your background and the subjects to teach in high school, such as math, English, science, or social studies.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step is to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Most future teachers major in education or in a subject they plan to teach, like history or biology, and then add teacher preparation courses to meet state requirements.

Your coursework should include both general education and subject-specific content. If you're attending a South Carolina college, your degree program will likely include field experiences and student teaching to prepare you for the classroom. This foundational step ensures you're academically ready to support high school learners.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program

In South Carolina, you must complete a state-approved educator preparation program to qualify for certification. These programs include coursework in instructional strategies, classroom management, and adolescent development.

Many programs are embedded in your bachelor's degree, but you can also complete them separately if you already hold a degree. Your preparation must include student teaching, where you'll spend a semester working with a mentor teacher. This hands-on training helps you apply what you've learned in a real classroom setting.

Step 3: Pass Required Licensure Exams

To move forward with certification, you'll need to pass the required Praxis exams. These include the Praxis Subject Assessments for your teaching area and the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam for grades seven to 12.

These exams assess your knowledge of both content and pedagogy. South Carolina uses these scores to determine if you're prepared to teach your subject at the high school level. Testing requirements may vary based on your certification area, so check with the SCDE for the most current guidelines.

Step 4: Apply for Certification with the SCDE

Once you've met the education and exam requirements, you'll need to apply for certification through the South Carolina Department of Education's online portal. You'll be asked to submit transcripts, exam scores, and a background check.

You'll initially receive an Initial Certificate, valid for three years. During this time, you must complete induction requirements and show continued professional growth. After fulfilling those requirements, you can apply for a Professional Certificate, which is renewable every five years.

Step 5: Explore Alternative Certification Options

If you already have a bachelor's degree but did not complete a teacher preparation program, you may qualify for an alternative certification route. South Carolina offers pathways like Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE), the American Board, and district-based options.

These programs allow you to begin teaching while you complete certification requirements. You'll teach under a limited certificate and receive mentoring and support while working toward full licensure. This option is often used by career changers or individuals seeking to teach in high-need areas.

Step 6: Maintain and Renew Your Certification

Once certified, South Carolina teachers must complete ongoing professional development to keep their certification current. Renewal typically requires 120 renewal credits over a five-year period, which can be earned through graduate courses, workshops, or in-service training.

The state also encourages National Board Certification and other advanced credentials. Staying current with certification requirements ensures that you remain eligible to teach and continue to grow in your career as an educator in South Carolina.

Education Degree Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina offers a range of accredited degree programs for students interested in becoming high school teachers. These programs prepare you to teach grades nine to 12 by combining subject-specific coursework with practical training in classroom instruction and student development. Whether you're drawn to teaching science, math, English, or social studies, the colleges below offer pathways that lead to state certification and careers in education.

University of South Carolina Aiken

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in secondary education at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) prepares students to teach English, math, science, or social studies at the high school level. The program emphasizes subject-area knowledge, lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional technology. Students engage in early field experiences and complete a full semester of student teaching during their final year.

Graduates are trained to foster critical thinking, effective communication, and inclusive classroom practices. USCA's education faculty provide one-on-one mentorship and ongoing support throughout the program. The degree is designed to meet South Carolina's certification requirements, allowing students to move directly into teaching roles after graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,400 (in-state); $20,856 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

University of South Carolina Upstate

University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate offers a secondary education bachelor's degree that prepares students to teach grades nine to 12 in areas such as English, math, science, or social studies. The curriculum blends academic content with teacher preparation coursework, focusing on classroom leadership, adolescent development, and curriculum design. Students also complete fieldwork in local schools.

The program includes extensive hands-on training and culminates in a semester-long student teaching placement. USC Upstate supports future educators through small class sizes, faculty mentoring, and professional development opportunities that prepare graduates for immediate entry into South Carolina classrooms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,933 (in-state); $23,435 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Francis Marion University

Francis Marion University (FMU) offers multiple Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in secondary education with concentrations in biology, English, mathematics, and history. The program is designed to train high school teachers who can meet the diverse learning needs of today's students. Students take courses in content-specific instruction, classroom assessment, and adolescent learning.

Early field experiences and a semester of student teaching provide real-world preparation for South Carolina classrooms. Faculty work closely with students to support certification and job placement. FMU's program is aligned with state licensure standards and equips graduates for long-term careers in education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,384 (in-state); $20,768 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina University offers secondary education degrees through its Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences. Students can choose content areas such as English, mathematics, social studies, or sciences. The curriculum includes foundational education theory, instructional methods, and a strong emphasis on technology integration and student engagement strategies.

Throughout the program, students gain experience through field placements in public schools and a final student teaching semester. Coastal Carolina emphasizes culturally responsive teaching and prepares graduates for certification in South Carolina. The program also offers opportunities for undergraduate research and involvement in professional education organizations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,640 (in-state); $29,926 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Lander University

Lander University's College of Education offers a BS in secondary education with certification tracks in math, English, social studies, and science. The program blends liberal arts studies with education-focused coursework in instructional strategies, classroom management, and curriculum development.

Students complete field experiences beginning early in the program and finish with a semester of student teaching. Lander provides strong advising and career support to help graduates meet South Carolina certification requirements and succeed in their first teaching positions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,700
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in South Carolina?

The average high school teacher salary in South Carolina is $59,750 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries can vary based on your experience, subject area, and location within the state. For example, teachers in urban or well-funded districts may earn more than those in rural areas.

Entry-level teachers typically start at a lower salary but can see increases over time with advanced degrees, additional certifications, or leadership roles. High-need subject areas like math and science may also offer financial incentives or signing bonuses in certain school districts.

Job Outlook for High School Teachers in South Carolina

Employment of high school teachers is projected to decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033, according to the BLS. This national trend reflects slower growth in student enrollment and changes in state and local budgets.

Despite the projected decline, about 64,000 job openings are expected each year, on average. These openings will primarily result from the need to replace teachers who retire or leave the profession. In South Carolina, local shortages in subjects like math and science may still create strong demand in specific districts.

Financial Aid for High School Teacher Programs

If you're planning to pursue a teaching degree in South Carolina, several financial aid options can help cover tuition and related costs. Students can begin by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

South Carolina residents may also qualify for the LIFE Scholarship, which supports undergraduate students attending eligible in-state colleges. This merit-based award can help reduce the overall cost of your education.

Additionally, future teachers may be eligible for the South Carolina Teachers Loan Program, which offers low-interest loans that can be forgiven if you teach in a critical subject area or high-need geographic region after graduation.

FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in South Carolina

If you're thinking about becoming a high school teacher in South Carolina, you likely have questions about the timeline, requirements, and available support. Below are answers to some of the most common questions future educators ask.

How Long Does It Take To Become a High School Teacher in South Carolina?

Becoming a high school teacher in South Carolina usually takes four to five years. This includes earning a bachelor's degree (typically four years) and completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, which may be part of your degree or completed afterward. You'll also need to pass Praxis exams and apply for certification. If you already have a degree, alternative certification options like PACE may allow you to begin teaching sooner while working toward full licensure.

Do I Need a Teaching Degree To Become a High School Teacher?

You don't need a teaching degree, but you do need a bachelor's degree and completion of an approved teacher preparation program. Many students earn a degree in the subject they plan to teach, like English or biology, and complete certification requirements through an education program. If you already hold a non-teaching degree, South Carolina's alternative certification routes, such as PACE or the American Board, allow you to qualify for a teaching license without returning for another full degree.

What Exams Do I Have To Take for Certification?

South Carolina requires two types of Praxis exams for high school teacher certification. First, you must pass the Praxis Subject Assessment that aligns with your content area (such as math, social studies, or English). Second, you need to take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) for grades seven to 12. These exams test your subject knowledge and instructional skills. Scores must meet South Carolina's passing criteria, which vary slightly depending on the subject area.

Can I Teach While Earning Certification?

Yes, South Carolina offers alternative certification programs that allow you to begin teaching before full licensure. The Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) is a popular option for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a non-education field. Participants receive a one-year teaching certificate, complete coursework and training, and work under mentorship while teaching full time. After meeting all requirements within three years, they become fully certified. District-based options may offer similar structured support.

Is There Financial Help for Becoming a Teacher in South Carolina?

Yes, aspiring teachers in South Carolina can access multiple financial aid options. The LIFE Scholarship provides merit-based aid to undergraduates attending in-state colleges. The South Carolina Teachers Loan Program offers forgivable loans to students planning to teach in critical subject areas or geographic regions. You should also complete the FAFSA to apply for federal aid, including Pell Grants, work-study, and student loans. Many colleges offer institutional scholarships specifically for education majors.

Explore Teaching Degrees in South Carolina

Accredited teaching degree programs across South Carolina provide the training and credentials needed to meet state certification requirements. Visit Learn.org to explore secondary education programs that can help you prepare for a career in the classroom.