Group works to address STEM teacher shortage

Have you considered becoming a teacher, but thought it was impossible without a background in education studies? If you possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, and are determined to make a difference in your community, The American Board can provide the opportunity to become a highly-qualified teacher through a state-sanctioned, alternative route to educator certification.

According to the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement, the state of South Carolina experienced a 60 percent increase in teaching job vacancies in the 2012-2013 school year, entering September with 272.4 vacant full-time positions. This makes South Carolina the state with the greatest number of teaching vacancies in the nation.

If you are interested in learning more, The American Board will host a series of events in the Charleston area to advise the community on alternative paths to certification and how you can help your community by becoming a teacher.

For more information, contact local event contact Jennifer Rone at jrone@americanboard.org or 803-216-5676.

Meetings will be held on at the Charleston County Main Library on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 7 at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Feb.14 at 4, 5, 6 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 16 at 9, 10 and 11a.m.; and Thursday, Feb. 21 at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.