Introduction to Teaching

It has been widely documented that South Carolina is reeling beneath a severe teacher shortage. In fact, a report indicated that there were over 1,000 teaching/service positions unfilled at the beginning of the 2021 school year! Teaching is one of the most fulfilling careers, as it has the power to impact many lives in amazing ways. We need teachers, and the jobs are available! So if you have a heart for helping young people, but may not be sure about becoming a teacher, the Introduction to Teaching program at Swofford is a great place to start. Students in both level one and level two will benefit from real experiences in local schools two days a week. Students who complete both courses may continue to take the Education & Training Internship (information below); continue in Teacher Cadet classes at your high school; earn SC 15-Hour Health & Safety Pre-Service Certification; and earn 6 hours of college credit.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

  • Teacher Assistant

  • K-12 Certified Teacher

  • Special Education Teacher

  • Coach

  • School Counselor

  • School Administrator

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Introduction to Teaching I

Grades: 10-12 / Approximate Fees: $30 + $45 college tuition costs
Prerequisite:  None
Introduction to Teaching Level 1 prepares students for employment and/or postsecondary opportunities in the education field. Topics of instruction include careers in education, foundations of education, communication skills, human growth and development, ethics and professionalism, and best practices in planning and instructional strategies. Resume and cover letter writing skills will be taught, along with interview skills. Students will explore their interests in education by conducting interviews and observations at the elementary, middle, and high school level. Students will eventually be placed in an elementary school where they will observe, plan, and even teach two days a week. Technology skills are required throughout the course work.

DUAL ENROLLMENT: Eligible students may earn 3 hours of college credit in EDU201 Classroom Inquiry With Technology through Spartanburg Community College.

Introduction to Teaching II

Grades: 10-12 / Approximate Fees: $30 + $45 college tuition costs
Prerequisite:Completion of Intro to Teaching I with minimum grade of 80 and/or Director recommendation.

Introduction to Teaching Level 2 is an advanced level course that builds on skills developed in Introduction to Teaching Level 1. Students develop a higher level of proficiency in lesson planning and classroom setup/management through continued field experiences in local middle and high/elementary schools. Students will plan engaging lessons, enhance communication and presentation skills, explore school-societal relationships, and exhibit professionalism. Technology is integrated throughout the course work.

DUAL ENROLLMENT: Eligible students may earn 3 hours of college credit in EDU 241 Learners & Diversity through Spartanburg Community College.

Work based learning EDUCATION & TRAINING

Grades: 11-12 / Approximate Fees: $15
Prerequisite:Completion of Intro to Teaching I and Intro to Teaching II with minimum grade of 80 and/or Director recommendation.

Work Based Learning Intro to Teaching is structured very much like a student teaching experience. Students will secure placement in a local elementary, middle, or high school (based on their preference) and report daily to their supervising teacher on that campus.

 

TITLE IX STATEMENT – Swofford does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, color, creed, handicap, religion or veteran status in the provision of educational opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972. Title IX and Section 504 coordinators may be reached through: District One office (121 Wheeler St., Campobello, SC 29322 – Phone 864-472-2846. Title IX - Dr. Crystal McSwain, Section 504 – Dr. Trish Beason); or District Two office (4606 Parris Bridge Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316 – Phone 864-578-0128. Title IX – Carlos Brooks, Section 504 - Fran Metta). DECLARACIÓN DEL TÍTULO IX – H. B. Swofford no se discrimina basado en sexo, raza, edad, color, credo, discapacidad, religión, o status de veterano en proveer oportunidades educativas o oportunidades de empleo y beneficios de acuerdo con Título IX Título 4 de Las Enmiendas Educativas de 1972 y Sección 504 de la Ley de la Rehabilitación de 1973. Se puede comunicarse con los Coordinadores del Título IX y Sección 504 por: Oficina Central Administrativa del Primer Distrito: (121 Wheeler St., P. O. Box 218, Campobello, SC 29322 – teléfono 864-472-2846. Título IX – Dr. Crystal McSwain, Sección 504 – Dr. Trish Beason); o Oficina del Segundo Distrito (4606 Parris Bridge Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316 – teléfono 864-578-0128. Título IX – Sección 504 – Dr. Fran Metta)