South Carolina Launches New Pilot Program Allowing Noncertified Teachers in Classrooms

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – In response to South Carolina’s ongoing teacher shortage, a new state law will allow school districts to hire noncertified teachers starting this school year. The move is part of a five-year pilot program designed to expand the teacher workforce and attract professionals with real-world experience into the classroom.

Senator Greg Hembree (R-Horry), Chair of the Senate Education Committee, proposed the bill, which passed unanimously in the General Assembly. “We are trying to look at any strategy that will get qualified people into the teacher workforce pipeline,” said Hembree.

Unlike similar efforts in other states—such as Texas, Utah, and Oklahoma—that faced backlash for eliminating nearly all credentialing requirements, South Carolina’s program sets clear standards. Under the new law:

✅ Participants must have a bachelor’s or graduate degree in the subject area they are teaching
✅ They must have at least five years of relevant workplace experience
✅ They must pass all required background checks
✅ They cannot have previously had a teaching certificate suspended or revoked
✅ They must enroll in a certification program within three years if they wish to continue teaching

“This is not the same noncertified teacher model that failed in other states,” said Patrick Kelly of the Palmetto State Teachers Association. “This program includes real qualifications and accountability.”

Districts are not required to participate. Those that do may hire noncertified teachers to fill up to 10% of their teaching positions.

While the pilot isn’t expected to completely resolve the educator shortage, lawmakers believe it may help address some of the most critical vacancies. “Even if we only find one person who can reach 25 to 30 students in a classroom that would’ve been empty, it’s worth the effort,” Kelly added.

The pilot is set to run through 2030 unless the legislature chooses to extend it. The South Carolina Department of Education is currently drafting official guidelines for participating school districts. You can follow updates on the Department’s website at ed.sc.gov.

📺 Watch the full news report here: SC schools can hire noncertified teachers under new law (WIS-TV)