TeachFlorence1

Hello and thank you for your interest in TeachFlorence1! If you are looking to reimagine your career possibilities and become a certified teacher, then TeachFlorence1 is the program for you! 

TeachFlorence1 is an alternative teaching pathway to South Carolina teacher certification for motivated, professional and thoughtful individuals who are committed to improving the lives of children. This three-year program provides training and coursework through a cohort model to provide ongoing support to candidates pursuing South Carolina licensure. Candidates start their first year as the teacher of record in the classroom and earn a salary while receiving teacher training with a one-on-one coach. 

As part of their preparation, candidates take three courses (9 credits) over the course of the program through Clemson University. Special Education candidates take four courses (12 credits) over the course of the program, also through Clemson University. Courses are offered online or hybrid, with meetings in the Florence 1 Schools locations. Credits earned throughout this program can be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Education to be evaluated for class advancement. Teachers granted a class change are eligible for a payscale increase. 

Early Childhood Education (Pre-K- Grade 3)
Elementary Education (Grades 2-6)
Middle-Level Mathematics (Grades 5-8)
Middle-Level Language Arts (Grades 5-8)
Middle-Level Social Studies (Grades 5-8)
Middle-Level Science (Grades 5-8)
Mathematics (Grades 9-12)
English (Grades 9-12)
Social Studies (Grades 9-12)
History (Grades 9-12)
Economics (Grades 9-12)
Geography (Grades 9-12)
Government (Grades 9-12)
Science (Grades 9-12)
Biology (Grades 9-12)
Chemistry (Grades 9-12)
Physics (Grades 9-12)
Earth and Space Science (Grades 9-12)
Special Education: Multicategorical (K-Grade 12)
French (PK-Grade 12)
Spanish (PK-Grade 12)
Art (Pre-K-Grade 12)
Music Education – Choral (PK-Grade 12)
Music Education – Instrumental (PK- Grade12)
Business and Marketing Education  

1. Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum of 18 hours in the content area;
2. Transcripts with an overall GPA of 2.5. The GPA in the content area major or the GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework can be used to meet this requirement. Early childhood, elementary and special education: multicategorical candidates must have an overall 2.75 GPA. If a candidate does not have a 2.75 GPA for early childhood, elementary or special education: multicategorical, this can be substituted for a 2.5 overall GPA with passing scores on the Praxis Core.
3. A passing score on the required Praxis content area exam. See South Carolina examinations for information on which Praxis content area exam is required.

Candidates pay upfront costs for the initial application through the SC Department of Education and for fingerprinting. Yearly costs for the program are deducted from bi-weekly paychecks equal to $62.50 per pay period. Costs include fees for courses, coaching, support and materials. District scholarships cover partial costs of over $4000, which results in $1500 per year for participants. 

 

If you would like more information about the program, please complete the Interest Survey. If you are ready to apply, please move to Step 1.

Step 1:

Access Florence 1 Schools online application system to begin the application process. Online applications may only be submitted once per educator but may be updated through the application system. 

Upload the following documents to your application:

• Professional resume;

• Copy of all undergraduate and graduate unofficial transcripts

• Send official transcripts via email or mail to Dr. Courtney Clayton, cclayton@fsd1.org or 500 S. Dargan Street, Florence, SC  29506

• Two professional references.

Wait to receive letter of evaluation of your application. This letter will notify you of your initial eligibility. 

Step 2:

Take and pass the Praxis Specialty Area Content Exam. Email a copy of your scores to cclayton@fsd1.org.

Wait to receive a TeachFlorence1 Letter of Eligibility. 

Step 3:

Register and submit the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) application for educator certification.  Complete all SCDE requirements (fees, fingerprint process, official transcripts, etc.). Indicate you are seeking certification through TeachFlorence1 in the online application through the portal.

Apply for open positions posted on the F1S Job Site.

Interview with school principals.

Step 4:

Provide required agreements, forms, and new hire documents.

Welcome to the Florence 1 Schools and the TeachFlorence1 Program!

 

TeachFlorence1 is a three-year program. The following overview includes information about each year of the program. The timeline provided begins after employment is confirmed. 

Candidates attend and successfully complete the following as indicated: 

Summer I:

10-day induction training in July. Summer 2025 Dates: July 7th through July 11th, 9am to 3pm. July 14th, 9am to 3pm. July 15th and July 16th: 7:30am to 4pm. July 17th: 9:30am to 3:30pm. July 18th, 9am to 3pm. 

5-day induction training in August. August 2025 Dates: August 18th through August 22nd, 4pm to 6pm.

Fall: 

Monthly Meetings
Quarterly Seminars

Spring:

Monthly Meetings
Quarterly Seminars 
Learning and Motivation Course: EDF 8020 (hybrid) to prepare for the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam
Take and pass the PLT exam

Candidates attend and successfully complete the following as indicated:   

Summer II:
Assessment course: EDF 8080 (online)

10-day training in July
3-day training in August 

Fall:
Monthly Meetings
Quarterly Seminars 
Literacy Course: For Early Childhood and Elementary: EDLT 8100 (Hybrid); for Middle, Secondary, and PK-12: EDLT 8270 (hybrid); for Special Education: EDSP 8200 (online).

Spring:
Monthly Meetings
Quarterly Seminars
For Special Education candidates: EDSP 8210 (online)

Candidates attend and successfully complete the following as indicated:     

Summer III:
3-day training in August

Fall:
Monthly Meetings
Quarterly Seminars

Spring: 
Monthly Meetings
Request for Professional Certificate