PCSD Becomes First SC Charter School District Approved to Offer Alternative Teacher Certification Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Drew Johnson, Chief Communications Officer

803-622-0824

djohnson@sccharter.org

PCSD Becomes First SC Charter School District Approved to Offer Alternative Teacher Certification Program

COLUMBIA, S.C. (MARCH 21, 2023) –

On March 14, 2023, the South Carolina Public Charter School District made history as the first charter school district approved to offer an alternative teacher certification program in South Carolina. The State Board of Education (SBE) approved the PCSD’s Charter Inspire Alternative Certification Pathway.

The Charter Inspire program will be implemented in four PCSD schools: East Point Academy, Lakes and Bridges Charter School, Legacy Early College, and Meyers Center for Special Children. This innovative program is designed to provide teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become successful educators while reducing the time it takes to complete a traditional certification program.

“We are thrilled that our Charter Inspire Alternative Certification Pathway has been approved by the South Carolina Board of Education,” said Chris Neeley, Superintendent of PCSD. “This program is designed to create a new generation of teachers who are passionate about education and have the skills necessary to make a difference in our students’ lives. We look forward to continuing our work with these schools and providing an innovative alternative route for educators that put kids first every day.”

The SC Board of Education’s decision is historic for South Carolina as it marks the first time a charter school district has been approved to offer an alternative teacher certification program in the state. This new pathway enables current teachers and those interested in becoming teachers to obtain their professional educator certification without having to complete a traditional route of education coursework and student teaching experience. 

The Alternative Teacher Certification Program is an innovative solution to the teacher shortage issue in South Carolina. By providing a pathway for individuals who are not traditionally certified educators to become teachers, this program helps recruit more qualified individuals into the workforce. The program also adds value to the state’s 21st-century economy by rapidly expanding the labor pool of available teachers.

About the South Carolina Public Charter School District: The South Carolina Public Charter School District authorizes, champions, and supports the creation and advancement of innovative K-12 public charter schools in South Carolina. We value all students’ unique talents and abilities and hold high expectations for social, emotional, and academic growth inclusively within the diverse population we serve. https://sccharter.org/

###