December 16, 2009

ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) -- Nearly 800 additional teachers in South Carolina this year have earned a prestigious certification that qualifies them for a $7,500 annual bonus.

Data released Wednesday by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards shows 14 percent of South Carolina's teaching force now holds a national board certification. It can take teachers up to three years to qualify and requires tests, video recordings of lessons and examples of student work.

The 799 teachers earning the certification in 2009 bring the total to 7,297 statewide, continuing to rank third behind North Carolina and Florida.

South Carolina's education oversight panel earlier this week advised lawmakers to scrap the incentive pay plan for teachers who earn the certification after June 30.

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