South Carolina's Education and Training pathway prepares students for careers in teaching, training, and educational support services. This program focuses primarily on early childhood education, elementary education, and instructional support, addressing the state's critical need for qualified educators and childcare professionals. Students develop understanding of child development, educational psychology, instructional methods, and classroom management while gaining hands-on experience working with children.
The pathway emphasizes both theoretical foundations of education and practical teaching skills. Students participate in classroom observations, tutoring experiences, and practicum placements in elementary schools and early childhood centers. The curriculum integrates child development theory, literacy instruction, mathematics education, and special education awareness. Students also develop professional skills including communication, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making essential for education careers.
South Carolina's Education pathway addresses the state's teacher shortage by inspiring students to pursue education careers while providing early exposure to the teaching profession. Graduates are prepared for employment in childcare centers, preschools, and after-school programs, or for continuation to four-year teacher education degree programs. Many students earn credentials allowing immediate employment while pursuing teaching degrees.
Education and Training at a Glance
4
Courses
6
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's Education and Training standards align with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards and Council for Professional Recognition competencies. State standards emphasize child development and learning, family and community relationships, observation and assessment, instructional strategies, learning environments, and professionalism. The framework prepares students for early childhood credentials and teacher preparation programs.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Education and Training 1: Foundations of Teaching | EDU-101 |
| Education and Training 2: Child Development and Learning | EDU-201 |
| Education and Training 3: Instructional Methods | EDU-301 |
| Education and Training 4: Teaching Practicum | EDU-401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Preschool Teacher
Entry LevelSalary range: $29,040 - $41,660
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,165
Elementary School Teacher
ExperiencedSalary range: $47,630 - $64,480
Adjusted for cost of living: $63,715
Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional
Entry LevelSalary range: $48,940 - $74,080
Adjusted for cost of living: $52,522
Childcare Center Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $23,160 - $30,570
Adjusted for cost of living: $30,522
After-School Program Coordinator
ExperiencedSalary range: $32,720 - $45,640
Adjusted for cost of living: $40,170
Recent News
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in classroom observations, tutoring placements, and practicum experiences in elementary schools, preschools, and childcare centers throughout South Carolina. Work-based learning includes assisting classroom teachers, leading instructional activities with children, participating in parent-teacher conferences, and summer employment in educational programs and camps.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Educators Rising, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
AssessmentReady to Build Education and Training Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Education and Training in South Carolina.