Converse Partners with Teach SC to Support Future Teachers

Converse University has partnered with TEACH South Carolina (Teach SC) to encourage future teachers and assist in their educational journey toward undergraduate and graduate programs at Converse.

Teach SC is a statewide coalition of K-12 schools, colleges, government, community organizations and nonprofits. Its goal is to support the next generation of South Carolina teachers by providing free tools to explore the profession, choose a pathway and get certified.

Additional support offered by Teach SC includes:

• One-on-one coaching;
• Teacher certification guides and application checklists;
• Fee reimbursements towards some expenses related to applying to a teaching program; see more details about fee reimbursements on the Teach SC website. 

The teacher shortage in South Carolina has steadily increased in recent years, particularly since the pandemic affected the 2020-2021 academic year. There was a 39 percent increase in teacher vacancies at the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic year as compared to the previous academic year. One in seven educators did not return to a teaching or service position in the same district (CERRA, 2023). 

“Converse is proud to be at the forefront of efforts to solve the teacher shortage crisis through all this initiative has to offer.”

Associate Dean of Education Kelly Harrison Maguire

Converse Associate Dean of Education Kelly Harrison Maguire, PhD, said “Converse is thrilled to partner with Teach SC and the South Carolina Department of Education to provide support to individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of students through becoming a certified, highly qualified teacher. Converse is proud to be at the forefront of efforts to solve the teacher shortage crisis through all this initiative has to offer.”

With a variety of challenges facing educators, Converse stands by its commitment to supporting teachers. Our partnership with Teach SC and the South Carolina Department of Education is one creative way we will help fill teaching positions with exceptional, highly skilled teachers.