Spring in South Carolina means azaleas blooming, sunshine peeking through—and a sudden realization that the school year is flying by!
If you're a South Carolina teacher, you’re already juggling lesson plans, testing schedules, and everything in between. But if your license renewal is on the horizon, now is a great time to make sure your professional development is on track.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you spring-clean your recertification plan—and make the process a little easier.
1. Know Your Timeline
If your certificate expires this June, it’s especially important to confirm you have enough time to complete the necessary credits. Even if your renewal is further out, spring is a smart time to get ahead while your schedule still has some flexibility. You can take advantage of spring break, long weekends, or summer downtime to make steady progress.
2. Choose Courses That Count
Not all professional development is created equal. Make sure your coursework meets these key criteria:
- Approved by the South Carolina Department of Education
- Graduate-level (or equivalent) and accepted for renewal
- Relevant to your certification area—especially important for subject-specific teachers like those in math or science
3. Choose a Format That Works for You
With the pace of the school year, flexibility is key. Many teachers opt for online, self-paced courses that can be completed outside of school hours and adjusted to fit busy schedules.
Look for options that:
- Let you start when you’re ready
- Allow you to work at your own pace
- Provide clear expectations and helpful support from instructors or advisors
TeacherStep, a South Carolina-based provider partnered with Converse University, offers this type of format and meets the state’s requirements—but it’s not the only option. The best course is the one that works for you.
4. Avoid Last-Minute Stress
One of the most common challenges teachers face is underestimating how long coursework takes—or forgetting about documentation deadlines altogether. Starting early gives you more breathing room and helps prevent burnout when the end-of-year whirlwind kicks in.
You might even consider teaming up with a colleague to take a course together and stay accountable.
5. Think Beyond the Minimum
Recertification may feel like a box to check, but it can also be an opportunity to grow. Some teachers use this time to explore new teaching strategies, brush up on subject knowledge, or dive into areas like student engagement, technology in the classroom, or culturally responsive teaching.
Investing in your own growth can have a powerful ripple effect on your students—and your sense of fulfillment.
Let’s Get That Plan in Shape!
You’re doing incredible work in the classroom every day. Let us help!
- Browse our online courses today
- Set a spring goal
- Check it off your list—with confidence!
TeacherStep...Because you deserve a plan that works as hard as you do!