Application Disclaimer

It is important that you read the following information in its entirety before beginning your application with FACES.

Important Notice

Due to an increased risk of fraudulent and illegitimate documents:

  • FACES will verify all teaching experience before approving your application.

  • All Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) reports must read “AUTHENTICATED.”
    Reports labeled “verification in progress,” “unofficial,” or similar will not be accepted until an authenticated version is uploaded.

Current Open Subject Areas

We are currently accepting applications only for the following subjects:

Art, Biology, Chemistry, Elementary (Grades 3–5 only), English, ESOL, French, German, Math, Middle Level Science, Music, Physical Science, Physics, Spanish, and Special Education.

Qualifications

To obtain a teaching certificate in South Carolina, you must:

  • Hold a university degree with a major in the subject you will teach
    (typically at least 15 courses in that subject).

  • Have a teacher training component in your degree program, including courses in pedagogy or education.

  • Possess at least two years of teaching experience in the grade level for which you are applying.

💡 A strong interest or informal teaching experience alone does not qualify applicants. You must have a teaching degree and formal training.

Subject-Specific Requirements

Elementary (Grades 3–5):

  • Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education

  • At least two years of current experience in Grades 3-5

  • Transcript must show two reading courses and one creative writing course

English:

  • Education degree in English

  • Minimum two years of experience

  • High School teachers must have courses in American Literature and British or World Literature

Foreign Language:

  • Degree in Education in the language you teach (or English Teaching if you’re a native speaker)

  • Minimum two years of experience

Math:

  • Math Education Degree required (Engineering or Accounting degrees are not accepted)

  • Minimum two years of experience

  • High School Math teachers must have at least two courses in Calculus

Science:

  • Degree in Science Education

  • Minimum two years of experience

  • Must qualify in at least two science content areas (e.g., Biology + Chemistry)

Special Education:

  • Degree specifically in Special Education

  • Minimum two years of experience teaching Special Education

Education Component Courses

Your education degree should include at least six of the following:

  • Human Growth & Development

  • Educational Psychology

  • History or Philosophy of Education

  • Instructional Technology

  • Curriculum Design

  • Assessment Strategies

  • Teaching Methods

  • Pedagogical Techniques in your subject area

🧩 Student Teaching is required for all subject areas and must be listed on your FCE.

Required Documents

Please have the following ready in digital format (PDF, JPG, or TIFF, ≤5MB per file):

  • Photo of yourself (professional headshot, smiling)

  • University diplomas (original + English translation if needed)

  • University transcripts (original + English translation if needed)

  • Front and back of your driver’s license (temporary or motorcycle licenses not accepted)

  • Proof of all teaching experience (use FACES “Verification of Teaching Experience” form)

  • Three (3) letters of recommendation:

    • One from your current Principal or Supervisor

    • One from a former Principal or Supervisor

    • One from your Department Chairperson or Guidance Counselor

    • All letters must be dated, signed, on official school letterhead, and show the person’s title

  • Passport photo page

  • Authenticated Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) from a NACES-approved agency

Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE)

  • Must be Course-by-Course and from a NACES member agency

  • Recommended for Cameroon applicants: World Education Services (WES)

  • Discount available through SpanTran:
    👉 Apply with the FACES Discount Link

  • To send a copy of an existing SpanTran report to FACES:
    👉 Request Copies ($10 fee)

  • ⏳ Evaluations can take a month or more to complete.
    FACES will reimburse up to $150 USD during Orientation in South Carolina for accepted teachers.

    ⚠️ Obtaining an FCE does not guarantee acceptance into the FACES program or placement in a South Carolina school district.

Application Timeline

  • September – September Cycle

  • Phase

    Timeline

    Details

    Application Review

    Sept 1 – June 30

    Upload all required documents

    Candidate Interviews

    Jan – June

    WhatsApp phone interview + recorded video

    Placement Season

    March – June

    District interviews and hiring

    Arrival in SC

    July – August

    Orientation and start of teaching positions

J-2 Dependents

To ensure quality of life and childcare access:

  • Candidates with children under age 5 will not be considered until the child is at least 5 by September 1 of the school year (unless the dependent will arrive later).

  • No more than four dependents may accompany a J-1 teacher.

  • Dependents must be a spouse or unmarried children under 21.

Approximate Costs

While FACES does not directly charge fees, applicants are responsible for the following fees during the application process:

  • Foreign Credential Evaluation: $150–$275 USD

  • Background Check: varies by country

Ready to Apply?

If you meet the qualifications above, we invite you to begin your journey with FACES.
Bring your skills, culture, and passion for teaching to South Carolina — and make a difference that crosses borders.

Please understand that FACES may not respond to applicants who do not satisfy the requirements explained on this page.

Fill out your application