The bill S. 78 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, which will be used solely for advancement on the teacher salary schedule. Applicants must submit a verification form developed by the State Department of Education to qualify for this credit.

Additionally, the bill provides that individuals who began teaching before July 1, 2025, can also submit the verification form to receive additional experience credit for salary advancement. However, this credit will not result in retroactive pay for previous years of teaching. The bill clarifies that it does not change existing requirements for obtaining an educator certificate and that the awarded experience will not count towards service credit for state retirement or health plans. The State Department of Education is required to make the verification form available within ninety days of the Governor's approval of the act.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 59-25-60
02/12/2025: 59-25-60
02/19/2025: 59-25-60
04/24/2025: 59-25-60
04/30/2025: 59-25-60
Latest Version: 59-25-60