South Carolina is looking for career-changers interested in the teaching profession. The Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) offers a fast-track to the classroom in a state known for its warm climate, affordable living, and friendly people. 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a South Carolina teacher. The PACE program provides a smooth transition from your current career into the classroom.

A) To find out if you are eligible for PACE:

• Take the self-test or
• submit an application with legible copies of all transcripts for a free evaluation.
• Verify the minimum work experience of two years of prior full time work, by submitting a PACE Work Experience Form. (An earned master’s degree can be used to waive the work experience requirement.)

B) Once the documents are received, our certification analysts will inform you of your subject area eligibility. If you do not meet academic eligibility you will receive a letter and a Major Equivalency Statement. This form is available for higher education institutions that offer a bachelor’s degree in the subject area you wish to teach to enable the institution to evaluate your transcripts for a major equivalency.

C) Once you meet academic and prior work experience requirements, sign up for the Praxis examination in your subject area.

D) Once you meet academic, work experience, and testing requirements, your next step is to find employment. At the time you are hired as a teacher of record in a South Carolina public school, you will be given information regarding the next available PACE Pre-service Institute. You can read more about the PACE training at Cohort 6.