LEAP Into the Classroom

LEAP is a three year program. The overview below provides information on each year of the program. Failure to complete any year, may result in the teacher not becoming certified.

• Pre-Service Orientation to Education: LEAP Teachers will complete all pre-service modules within 2 months of being hired as a BCSD teacher.
• Summer Cohort Sessions: Training in July (if hired by July 1)
• Fall Cohort Sessions: Training held October to December
• Learning Labs
• Cohort Seminars
• Teacher Support Meetings

• Summer: 21st Century Teacher: Authentic Assessment and Educational Psychology Modules
• Learning Labs
• Cohort Seminars
• Teacher Support Meetings
• Take PLT (Principles of Teaching and Learning)

• Attend Formal Evaluation Orientation
• Complete the SCTS evaluation model within SCLead

• A Bachelor's degree or higher with major or equivalency that matches eligible content/certification fields from a regionally accredited university or college.
• Minimum GPA of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale with a minimum grade per course in initial major of C or better.
• Evidence of a passing score on the appropriate content assessment ETS Praxis subject area assessment. When taking the exam, please have your results sent to both the SC State Dept. of Education (code R8108) and LEAP Lowcountry Educator Alternative Program (code 1489)
• Current all-clear FBI/SLED background check

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Unfortunately, the LEAP program cannot enroll:

Individuals who have participated in other alternative certification routes in SC. Candidates who participated in traditional teacher preparation programs. Individuals whose certification is denied, suspended, or revoked.

• Art (Pre-K - Grade 12)
• Chinese (PK-12)
• English (Grades 9-12)
• Mathematics (Grades 9-12)
• Middle Level Language Arts (Grades 5-8)
• Middle-Level Mathematics (Grades 5-8)
• Middle-Level Science (Grades 5-8)
• Middle-Level Social Studies (Grades 5-8)
• Music Education - Choral (PK - Grade 12)
• Music Education - Instrumental (PK - Grade 12)
• Science (Grades 9-12)
• Social Studies (Grades 9-12)
• Spanish (PK-12)

For more information about the process, please complete the LEAP Interest Survey. If you are ready to apply, please begin Step 1.

Fill out the LEAP Alternative Pathway to Certification application. As part of the application, you will be required to upload the following:

• Professional resume
• Cover letter (Please include your desired level you wish to teach.)
• College/University Transcripts
• Professional References
• Driver's License
• PRAXIS Specialty Area Content Examination passing score report (if taken at this point)

WAIT to receive a LEAP Letter of Application Evaluation from Beaufort County Schools. This letter will notify you of initial eligibility.

• Take and pass the PRAXIS specialty area content exam. When taking the exam, please have your results sent to both the SC State Dept. of Education (code R8108) and LEAP Lowcountry Educator Alternative Program (code 1489). Upload a screenshot of your passing score.

WAIT to receive a LEAP Letter of Eligibility from Beaufort County Schools. This letter will notify you of initial eligibility.

Eligible LEAP candidates will complete a district interview. Eligible candidates will be contacted via email for appointments.

Apply for Certification at the South Carolina Department of Education's website. Be sure to indicate you are seeking certification through the Lowcountry Educator Alternative Pathway in the My SC Educator portal.

Eligible candidates will be issued a LEAP Letter of Eligibility.

After receiving that letter, applicants are eligible to seek employment in BCSD as a LEAP Teacher.

SC State Department of Education Certification Costs (subject to change)
SC SDE application	$105.00
Fingerprinting	$50.00
PRAXIS Exam (appropriate cost dependent on exam)	$200.00
Total Approximate Upfront Costs	$355.00
Principles of Teaching and Learning Exam (year 1)	$156.00
TOTAL STATE CERTIFICATION COSTS	$511.00
LEAP Participant Program Costs
Approximate Cost for Tuition, Coaching, Coursework, Recruiting, Advertising, Professional Development, etc.*	$10,000.00
District Contribution	$7,500.00
Total LEAP Participant Cost*	$2,250
SC Teacher Forgiveness Loan - voluntary for 3 years ($750.00 reimbursement per year for 3 years)**	-$2,250.00
ACTUAL LEAP PROGRAM COST	$0.00
* Cost of Program comes from salary deduction during the first two years.
**Dependent on state funding. Reimbursement made directly to LEAP teacher.
We will not offer payment forgiveness for teaching service without state approval.