South Carolina lawmakers have introduced the Educator Assistance Act (EAA), a new bill designed to address long-standing concerns among teachers regarding their contracts, certification renewals, and workplace conditions.

This initiative aims to bring more transparency to teacher contracts, simplify professional development requirements, and introduce new benefits such as a shared leave bank.

For years, teachers in South Carolina have raised concerns about unclear contracts, which often do not specify salary details, school assignments, or grade levels before signing. Additionally, strict license renewal requirements and limited leave options have contributed to teacher dissatisfaction and resignations. With the EAA now making progress in the legislature, educators are hopeful that these much-needed reforms will soon become law.

Key Provisions of the Educator Assistance Act

Transparent Teacher Contracts

Many South Carolina teachers currently sign contracts without knowing their salaries, school locations, or even the subjects they will be teaching. The EAA would require school districts to include salary details in teacher contracts and inform teachers of their school assignments at least 14 days before the school year begins. This move is expected to provide teachers with more job security and allow them to plan better for the academic year.

Permanent Teaching Certificates

Under the current system, teachers must renew their certifications every five years, often at their own expense. The EAA proposes making teaching certificates permanent, unless a teacher’s license is revoked or suspended due to misconduct. This reform would eliminate unnecessary renewal costs and paperwork, allowing educators to focus on teaching rather than bureaucratic hurdles.

A Leave Bank for Teachers

Teachers often face personal emergencies or health-related issues that require extended leave. The EAA introduces a shared leave bank, allowing educators to donate their unused leave to colleagues in need. This policy ensures that teachers facing hardships have access to additional leave without financial strain.

Simplified License Renewal Process

South Carolina teachers currently need 120 hours of professional development to renew their teaching licenses, which often requires them to pay for additional courses. The EAA aims to automate this process by allowing district-provided training sessions to count towards renewal requirements, reducing financial and time burdens on teachers.

Why This Bill Matters

For years, teachers in South Carolina have voiced their frustrations over job uncertainty and administrative burdens. According to Patrick Kelly, Governmental Affairs Director of the Palmetto State Teacher’s Association, the lack of details in teacher contracts has been a major issue.

“The contract lacks details that you would find in almost any other profession. It doesn’t include salary, school location, or even the subjects a teacher will teach,” Kelly explained.

Teacher Sherry East, President of the South Carolina Education Association, also emphasized how difficult it can be to change school assignments mid-year.

“Some teachers have been transferred between grade levels or schools after the school year has already started. This creates stress for teachers, parents, and students,” East said.

The Next Steps

The Educator Assistance Act recently passed the House Education and Public Works Committee unanimously and is now awaiting review by the state Senate. If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Supporters believe that by addressing these issues, the bill could improve teacher retention rates and create a more stable educational environment in South Carolina.