COLUMBIA, S.C. — School districts across South Carolina are facing a teacher shortage now and into the 2023-2024 school year. The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA), established by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education in 1985 and based in Rock Hill, released a Supply and Demand Report in November 2022 that found there was a 39% increase in teacher vacancies in the state from the previous school year.
In an effort to fill some of the vacancies, the South Carolina 2023 Virtual Teacher Expo will be held over two days -- Tuesday and Wednesday, March 28 and 29 -- beginning at 8 a.m. both days.
The Teacher Expo seeks to attract teachers and instructors from around the United States and network job seekers with recruiters from the state's public school districts.
Certified teachers, recent graduates of teacher education programs, and individuals who have met admission criteria for an approved alternative certification program in South Carolina are encouraged to participate. Information regarding SC teaching licensure and alternative certification pathways will be available during the Expo as well.
A recent poll of school districts in the Midlands, WLTX found these results regarding open teacher positions:
- Richland One currently has 98 classroom teacher openings and is planning a Spring Teacher Job Fair 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dreher High School on April 1.
- Richland Two currently has 21 vacancies and is projecting 81 vacancies for the 2023-2024 school year.
- Lexington Three's employment page lists 12 vacancies in various classroom positions
For more details and registration information regarding the 2023 Virtual Teacher Expo, visit www.cerra.org/sc-teacher-virtual-career-fair.
