The bill S. 88 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 59-25-60, which allows individuals applying for an educator certificate to receive credit for prior work experience that is in or related to the content field of the certificate. Specifically, the State Department of Education will award one year of experience credit for every two years of relevant full-time work experience. This credit is intended solely for the purpose of advancement on the teacher salary schedule. Additionally, existing certificate holders who entered the teaching profession before July 1, 2025, can also submit a verification form to receive similar credit for their prior work experience, which will adjust their pay for the current school year but will not provide retroactive pay.

The bill clarifies that while individuals can receive credit for their relevant work experience, they must still meet all existing requirements to obtain an educator certificate. Furthermore, the awarded years of experience will not count towards service credit for state retirement or health plans administered by PEBA, and the State Department of Education is required to make the work experience verification form available within ninety days of the bill's approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 59-25-60
Latest Version: 59-25-60