SC S0079

Establishes a five-year pilot program allowing schools to hire noncertified teachers up to 10% of their total teaching staff, with the program running until June 30, 2030

Requires noncertified teachers to hold a bachelor's or graduate degree relevant to their teaching position and have at least five years of workplace experience

Mandates noncertified teachers enroll in an educator certification program within three years of employment through any state-approved alternative or traditional route

Requires background checks through SLED and FBI, with fingerprint retention for ongoing criminal record monitoring, and prohibits hiring individuals with suspended or revoked educator certificates

Department of Education must submit annual reports to the General Assembly beginning November 1, 2026, with a final recommendation on program continuation due by November 1, 2029