High Need Areas in South Carolina

Blended learning is the word most often used to describe a STEM education. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are often taught using an interdisciplinary approach that has been proven effective in schools across the country. Each teacher’s role is to show students how these four subject areas are interconnected and provide real-life applications.

This subject area is growing rapidly. In 2018, 8.65 million U.S. jobs were available in STEM sectors. However, many states, including South Carolina, continue to experience a shortage of STEM teachers. That’s where you can help. Whether you have a professional background or simply an interest in STEM, now’s the time to act. Become a STEM teacher through South Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow. Together we can help students explore the world of STEM.

The responsibilities of STEM teachers vary depending on the age of their students. In general they usually include the following:

1. Engaging students in research and learning
2. Working as a team with other teachers in math and science
3. Assessment and communication of students’ progress
4. Acting as a learning facilitator and not just a presenter of information

Truly effective STEM teachers go above and beyond the state curriculum. They bring the day’s lesson to life by directly involving their students in the learning process. That’s why a successful STEM teacher has many of the following qualities:

1. An ability to bring STEM lessons to life with real-world applications
2. An understanding of their students different learning styles
3. An awareness of their students sensitivities and differences
4. A talent for encouraging students to think at a higher level
5. A commitment to continual professional development

The South Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow program is approved by the state of South Carolina to certify educators in many STEM subjects. To become admitted to the program, your four-year bachelor’s degree will include 21 credit hours in the area you wish to teach, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.  We will need a completed application and your official transcripts to get started.

Step 1: Training

Once you’ve been admitted you will begin our comprehensive online training program. South Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow’s robust, engaging curriculum will deliver all of the skills and knowledge you need to be prepared for the classroom. Throughout your coursework, field experience, and your internship year, South Carolina Teachers will provide ongoing support and assistance.

Step 2: Testing

Potential teachers seeking their certification in South Carolina must first pass the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching. If you plan to teach STEM at the middle school level you will need to pass the Praxis II Subject Assessment test in one of two subjects offered by South Carolina Teachers:

1. Middle Level Math: Praxis 5169
2. Middle Level Science: Praxis 5440

All teachers wanting to teach STEM at the secondary level will pass the Praxis II Subject Assessment test in one of the following areas offered by South Carolina Teachers:

1. Biology: Praxis 5235
2. Chemistry: Praxis 5235
3. Science: Praxis 5135
4. Math: Praxis 5161
5. Business/Marketing/Computer Technology: Praxis 5101
6. Industrial Technology: Praxis 5051

South Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow will be with you every step of the way with cutting-edge test preparation materials, all available on our Study Resources page.

Step 3: Teaching

From the very moment you begin teaching, you will earn full pay and benefits. You will receive guidance through the assignment of a Field Supervisor from South Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow. In collaboration with your Campus Mentor, they will support you throughout your first internship year. You will teach for an additional two years on your Alternative Route Certificate once your internship year is complete. Upon completion of your program requirements and three years of total teaching, you will receive your Professional Teaching Certificate and become a certified teacher in the state of South Carolina.

Whether you’re interested in teaching at the middle or secondary level, educators in the field of STEM are in tremendous demand in South Carolina. This is the perfect time to invest in your career and in the STEM education in South Carolina. Let South Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow help you become a certified teacher.

Additional Resources

The following is a brief list of online resources dedicated to the advancement of STEM education and teaching.
http://www.stem-by-design.com/
https://www.ed.gov/Stem