COLUMBIA, S.C. — A recent report reveals an unprecedented number of teacher vacancies in South Carolina, raising questions about the effectiveness of state-sponsored recruitment initiatives.
Recent data shows mixed success in the effectiveness of teacher recruitment initiatives. While some are proving successful, others are falling short, struggling to produce and retain teachers over the long term.
Last year, South Carolina invested nearly $70 million in 16 teacher recruitment programs. However, data reveals that 8 of these programs, totaling $10 million, only resulted in 239 certified teachers, costing over $40,000 per teacher.
This has led some to question the value of these initiatives.
"It's a lot of money that goes towards these programs. And they're not generating the numbers of teachers that we really need to see in classrooms,” said Dana Yow, Executive Director of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee.
Those 10 programs being funded by the Education Improvement Act include Teaching Fellows, Teach for America, Call Me Mister, APEC, CUBE, Bridge, SC CAP and SC Teacher Minority Program.
Patrick Kelly from the Palmetto State Teachers Association suggests that the low payoff is due to a variety of reasons.
“Part of it is because some of these programs are trying to recruit groups that traditionally haven't been well represented in the teaching profession. And so again, you're trying something innovative and new, there's going to be a bigger upfront cost,” Kelly said.
Before these programs receive further funding next year, Yow said the Committee is calling for the General Assembly to streamline programs and establish a statewide vision.
“The committee members felt like they really needed to take a hard look at those programs. Again, to really dig deep and figure out what's going on and how we can use that money wisely for the benefit of teachers and students because that's ultimately what this is about,” Yow said.
Yow said part of the problem is that there isn’t a central agency that focuses on teacher recruitment or retention. She said the goal is for an ad hoc committee to meet over the summer of 2024 and then develop recommendations in early 2025.
Kelly agreed streamlining is necessary.
“Part of that's as simple as just using common verbiage for what's a residency what's an apprenticeship, but it's also as granular as looking at where's there duplication and overlap,” said Kelly.
Kelly points out that programs like "Call Me MISTER" and the State Fellowship Program have proven to be successful. According to Kelly, 85% of individuals who go through teaching fellows are still teaching in South Carolina at least four years after they graduate.
“That's well beyond the retention rate that we see in other pipelines,” Kelly said.
Kelly added that since 2019, over 3,000 high school students who are qualified and meet the rigorous academic profile have applied beyond the number of fellowships that we have been able to provide.
"Not only does Fellows work, but right now, the demand for Fellows outstrips our ability to put students into that program. That would be a great investment to funnel more money into teaching fellows,” said Kelly.
The full Education Oversight Committee is set to vote on budget recommendations in December. It then has to go through the budget process when Lawmakers return in January.
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver is urging lawmakers to raise teachers' minimum pay by $1,500 in the upcoming year, according to her budget request.
“We have a lot of work to do on doing what’s best for our children,” said SCEA President Sherry East.