South Carolina's Introduction to Teaching pathway introduces students to education careers and teacher preparation. The state faces teacher shortages, particularly in STEM and CTE fields, making teacher recruitment programs valuable.
Students explore teaching philosophies, classroom management, instructional design, and work with K-12 students in school settings. They develop teaching portfolios and gain experience as tutor volunteers and teacher assistants.
Graduates pursue education degrees at South Carolina universities including Clemson, USC, and other institutions. Many transition directly into teacher preparation programs or work as paraprofessionals while completing degrees. Some pursue careers in corporate training and instructional design.
Introduction to Teaching at a Glance
4
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's teaching pathway standards cover pedagogical principles, content knowledge, classroom management, and assessment practices. Standards align with state teacher preparation expectations.
Students complete teaching observations, tutoring experiences, and lesson plan development. State standards include cultural competence and inclusive teaching practices.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Introduction to Early Childhood Education |
| Introduction to Teaching 1 |
| Introduction to Teaching 2 |
| Practicum in Education |
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.
Paraprofessional/Teaching Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $48,940 - $74,080
Adjusted for cost of living: $52,522
Education Program Coordinator
Entry LevelSalary range: $39,230 - $54,390
Adjusted for cost of living: $42,101
Teacher (with Bachelor's)
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $45,074
Instructional Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $61,960 - $103,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $84,986
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students tutor in school settings, assist classroom teachers, and work with early childhood programs throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Phi Delta Kappa, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
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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 Pathways in South Carolina
Business Management and Administration
South Carolina's Business Management and Administration pathway, part of the modernized Management & Entrepreneurship cluster, prepares students for careers in business operations, management, human resources, and entrepreneurship. This comprehensive program develops essential business competencies including financial literacy, business communication, project management, marketing principles, and organizational leadership. As businesses throughout South Carolina seek employees with strong foundational business skills, this pathway provides critical workforce preparation. The program emphasizes both traditional business management concepts and contemporary skills including digital marketing, data analytics, global business operations, and innovation management. Students develop professional skills through hands-on projects, business simulations, and interactions with local business leaders. The curriculum prepares students for business careers across all industries while also supporting those interested in launching their own entrepreneurial ventures. South Carolina's Business Management pathway integrates academic rigor with practical application, ensuring students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities essential for business success. Graduates are prepared for entry-level business positions, advanced business certifications, or continuation to four-year business degree programs.
Management & EntrepreneurshipEducation and Training
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.
EducationHuman Development
South Carolina's Human Development pathway prepares students for careers in social services, counseling support, and human development fields. The state's diverse communities create demand for human services professionals. Students study child development, adolescent psychology, family systems, personal wellness, and human services practices. They gain experience through internships in community agencies. Graduates work as case managers, counseling assistants, youth workers, or social service coordinators. Employment opportunities exist with nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and community mental health centers throughout South Carolina.
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