The state of South Carolina requires all students study a specific curriculum and course of study. Subjects like Math, Science, History, and English are prescribed by the state. In the higher grades, students also may choose some elective classes such as Music or Foreign Languages.

Teachers are responsible for daily instruction according to the state and local curriculum. They must regularly assess their students' progress and maintain careful records of student grades. Teachers are responsible for communicating with parents and keeping them informed of their child's progress. The teacher must devise a clear and transparent method of formulating grades Every nine weeks or every semester, as the school schedule dictates, the teacher must publish grades.

The typical school day begins around 7:45am and runs until around 3:00pm . There are 180 school days per year, and another 20 work days for teachers. The school year begins in August and lasts until the end of May. There is a two week break at Christmas. Generally speaking, a teacher will never be asked to work on a Saturday or Sunday.

The current political debate surrounding schools in the United States emphasizes accountability and improvement. There is tremendous pressure on school systems to provide constant improvement in student achievement. Imaginative and dynamic teachers are able to thrive in this environment. Strategies and techniques must be constantly revised and lesson plans must be examined with a scientific eye. Presenting the material by lecture is no longer an acceptable practice. Students must be engaged in meaningful activity that allows them to be responsible agents of their own education.

FACES supports the drive for improved achievement in South Carolina schools by recruiting teachers who are interested in exploring new ways of accomplishing the goal of increasing their students' knowledge and wisdom. FACES will not place a candidate unless we are convinced they have the skills, initiative and imagination to explore new ways of inspiring learning.

For more information on teacher responsibilities, please visit the website of the South Carolina Department of Education at www.myscschools.com .