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 existing certificate holders who entered the teaching profession before July 1, 2025, can also submit the verification form to receive additional years of experience for salary advancement. However, it clarifies that this credit does not alter existing certification requirements and does not entitle individuals to retroactive pay for prior years of teaching. The bill also specifies that the awarded experience cannot be used for purposes other than salary advancement and does not count as 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