Candidates that are currently enrolled in an internship program through an institution of higher education must hold an Internship certificate during their placement in a South Carolina public school district.
Speech-Language Pathologists may also qualify for an Internship certificate based upon completion of an American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA) approved program.
Approved Educator Preparation Program Internship
The Internship certificate is available to an eligible teacher candidate who is currently enrolled in a State Board of Education-approved educator preparation program in South Carolina and has been approved by the college or university for participation in an internship program. The candidate must have completed all academic and bachelor’s degree requirements, with the exception of the teaching internship, as well as all certification examination requirements. The certificate will be issued for up to one year, and must be requested by the employing school district. Upon completion of the teaching internship and verification by the college or university that all approved program requirements have been met, the Internship certificate will be converted to an Initial certificate.
The Internship certificate request must be initiated by the school district and partnering institution of higher education. The candidate must complete a Student Teaching Clearance Application, including a non-refundable application fee payment, cleared background reports, and appropriate test scores on file.
School Psychologist Internships
Service providers that must hold an Internship certificate as part of their School Psychologist program internship may apply through this option. To receive an Internship certificate, applicants must submit the required documentation provided with the appropriate options.
Application Procedures
- Create a user account and submit an application through My SC Educator Portal prior to all other steps.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee through My SC Educator Portal.
- Complete the Fingerprinting and Criminal History Review Process. Specific instructions for completing the fingerprinting process are available to an applicant through My SC Educator Portal only after the application for certification is submitted.
- Submit official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities where a degree, undergraduate or graduate coursework, or an educator preparation program was completed.
- Submit a request and/or verification of enrollment from the college/university on official letterhead completed by the Dean or Designated College Official. This request must specify the applicant is working towards full certification as a School Psychologist, and that the internship is being served through a State Board of Education approved training program.
For more information on submitting application materials, please visit the Submitting Requests and Documents webpage.
