Teaching Pathways
The following chart shows a pathway you can take to pursue your teaching certification as programs have different requirements.
Information on all programs is below.
For questions, please contact Christen Sikes, Educator Effectiveness Coordinator, csikes@acpsd.net.
SC Create
In order to qualify for SC Create, you must be a full time employee in a South Carolina district. You must also have one of the following credentials:
Special Education Teacher
School Psychologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
For more information, visit SC Create or reach out to Joe Sutton, jsutton@ed.sc.gov.
Alternative Pathways
These are the approved programs with the SC State Department of Education currently accepted by Aiken County Public Schools.
You can learn more information about each on the SCDE website.
TeachSC
TeachSC is an organization that provides free support to anyone considering applying to a teacher preparation program.
When you register with TeachSC, you can receive:
One-on-one coaching
Up to $100 in free reimbursements toward expenses related to applying to a program (including testing)
A Chance to win a regional scholarship of $1,000
You can access TeachSC resources for more information.
Degree Pathways
American College of Education
Online Bachelors Degree in Education Studies
This does not lead to teaching licensure but is a pathway to a bachelor's to pursue a master's degree in teaching or to pursue an alternative certification pathway.
The program equips you with a solid foundational framework for working in non-licensure educational roles such as academic advisors, paraprofessionals and youth development leaders.
For more information contact Darryl Brown at Darryl.brown@ace.edu.
Grand Canyon University
Convenient online programs in education!
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in:
English for Secondary Education
History for Secondary Education
Undergraduate Bachelor of Science in:
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Special Education
Mathematics for Secondary Education
Contact Zach Riccardelli at 602-513-4660 or at Zach.Riccardelli@gcu.edu.
Lander University
Online Early Childhood Degree (PRE-K-3)
Finish in 3-4 semesters if you already have an Associates Degree.
Complete placements and assignments in the class where you work.
Praxis Core class with continued support!
For more information contact Dr. Tamara Pack (864)504-8173 or at tpack@lander.edu.
North Greenville University
Bachelors of Elementary Educational Studies
Does not lead to teaching licensure. For students interested in teaching in public schools consider the Certification for Elementary Education Certificate after obtaining your BS in Elementary Educational Studies.
100% Online
120 hours
Bachelor of Arts
Five 8-week Sessions per Year
Two Courses per Session (Full-Time)
For more information contact Dr. Kathryn McColskey (864)977-2098 or at kmccolskey@ngu.edu or visit the website for North Greenville University Early Childhood Educational Studies: Online.
University of South Carolina Upstate: College of Education, Human Performance, and Health
Paraprofessional/Teacher's Aide to B.A. in Early Childhood OR Elementary Education
This degree is designed for those who have earned an AA or AS degree and currently work as a paraprofessional/teacher's aide in a public school.
Work your full-time paraprofessional/teacher's aide job while earning a bachelor's degree.
Classes are offered in an online format to accommodate the paraprofessional/teacher's aide work schedule.
Contact Dr. Amy Stevenson (864)503-5519 or at as314@uscupstate.edu for more information.
Walden University
Online BS in Elementary Education (Licensure)
Work with engaged, experienced faculty as you build instruction and curriculum design skills and practice what you've learned through interactive avatar simulations. Throughout your studies, you'll also learn how to support the development of your students' social-emotional and academic skills.
Visit Walden Univeristy's partnership page to learn more.