The "Educator Assistance Act" aims to amend various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance support for educators. Key provisions include establishing that professional certificates issued by the State Board of Education are permanent unless revoked or suspended, eliminating the requirement for teachers to renew these certificates, and mandating ongoing professional development for certified teachers. The bill also introduces measures to streamline data collection regarding postsecondary outcomes for high school graduates and allows teachers to donate unused leave to a leave bank for other employees.

Additionally, the bill revises notification requirements for teacher employment and assignments, ensuring that teachers receive timely information about their contracts and salary schedules. It increases the number of required professional development days from three to four and allows for more flexibility in how these days are utilized. The act also redefines certain breaches of contract and their consequences, while repealing outdated reporting requirements related to high schools and higher education institutions. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140
02/06/2025: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140
02/11/2025: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140
02/12/2025: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140
02/13/2025: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140
04/10/2025: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140
04/16/2025: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140
04/22/2025: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140
Latest Version: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140
12/06/2024: 59-25-112, 59-101-145, 59-25-47, 59-25-410, 59-25-420, 59-1-425, 59-25-530, 59-101-130, 59-101-140