Try Teaching

AmeriCorps provides opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to serve communities and help organizations address local needs (including education). There are hundreds of full- and part-time opportunities to support, mentor, inspire, and connect with local students across South Carolina. Training is provided for every position. 

Participants dedicate their time to service for a small living allowance and an educational award upon successful completion of their service.

Blueprint Schools Network ("Blueprint") is a national educational nonprofit organization that promotes educational opportunities and improves life outcomes for students through their Math Fellows (tutor) program. Math Fellows are provided paid support and training focusing on teaching strategies, classroom management, relationship building and math content support.

Paid positions available for: Those enrolled in a college program or who have completed an Associate's or higher.

Generation Teach's mission is to co-create loving communities where generations of students, teachers, and leaders learn, grow, and develop. Generation Teach facilitates learning experiences that center the history, stories, and strength of people of color and provide all participants with windows and mirrors of their own lived experiences.

Teaching Fellowships with Scholarships for: Undergraduate students and high-school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

The Ignite Fellowship builds on Teach for America’s mission to help students overcome barriers to an excellent education. Trained by Teach for America and supported by veteran educators, Ignite Fellows tutor small groups of students virtually in reading and math. Participants receive a financial award at the end of each semester. 

Paid positions available for: Current undergrad, grad students or renewing Fellows.

We’ve paired thousands of community volunteers in low-income schools to help kids master basic reading skills and narrow their achievement gaps. Our one-on-one tutoring empowers students to succeed while simultaneously empowering volunteers to make a lasting difference in our community through individualized personal attention to each student in our program. Reading Partners South Carolina currently serves students in 13 schools in the Charleston area.

Volunteer positions for: Anyone 14 years of age or older.

The primary goal of the Teacher Cadets program is to encourage academically-talented, high-achieving high school students with exemplary interpersonal and leadership skills to consider teaching as a career. An important secondary goal of the program is to provide these talented future community leaders with insights about teachers and schools so they will be civic advocates of education.

Concurrent enrollment opportunities available for: High-school juniors and seniors with a GPA/GPR of at least 3.0.

South Carolina school districts can help you reach your aspirations and career goals. Find new and exciting teaching and support roles on these job boards: 

• SC Statewide Job Board CERRA 
• Teach in Upstate SC Teach at The Top

Paraeducators (a.k.a. paraprofessionals, teacher aides, or classroom assistants) support student learning, and classroom management and organization. Paraeducators frequently attend to students' physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs, and are essential to school communities.

Paid positions available for: High-school graduates. Want to work at a Title I school? See the requirements. 

Check your local school district’s website to find open paraeducator positions or use the job boards above.

Substitute teaching is a great way to give teaching a try and explore different grade levels and subject areas. Classroom substitute teachers come from all walks of life and can positively impact students' lives. Now more than ever, school districts are looking for skilled substitute teachers. Substitute teaching pay ranges across the state. Earn money, influence lives, and make a difference in your community! 

If you’re not ready to take the plunge into full-time teaching, start subbing by contacting your local school district or educational staffing company. They can connect you with substitute teaching opportunities that match your preferences, location, and career aspirations. Most educational staffing companies offer a course that will set you up for success as a substitute teacher! 

Check your local school district’s website to find open substitute positions or use the job boards above. 

Volunteering in the classroom is an excellent way to find out if teaching is right for you. School districts are always looking for volunteers to help support teachers and students. Some volunteer tasks might include classroom or library help, such as reading with students, organizing books, or preparing materials. You could also volunteer for student clubs such as robotics or gardening.    

If you’re interested in teaching but want to explore more, volunteering can give you experience with different grade levels and subjects while making a difference in your community.  

To get started volunteering, contact your local school district or visit Project Raise Your Hand today!