1. United States
2. S.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong support for Senate Bill 78, which would allow educators to receive experience credit for relevant prior non-teaching work when determining their placement on the salary schedule. This bill is a practical and much-needed step toward recognizing the valuable expertise that professionals bring into the classroom. Many teachers transition into education after gaining years of industry experience in fields directly related to the subjects they teach. Whether in STEM, business, or vocational education, this real-world knowledge enhances students’ learning experiences and better prepares them for careers. However, under the current system, these educators often start at the lowest salary level, despite bringing significant expertise to the role. By granting partial credit for prior work experience, Senate Bill 78 incentivizes experienced professionals to enter the teaching field while ensuring that salaries reflect their true qualifications. This bill would not only help recruit and retain high-quality educators but also strengthen South Carolina’s workforce by bridging the gap between education and industry. I urge you to support Senate Bill 78 and advocate for its passage. Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your commitment to improving education in our state and look forward to your support of this important legislation.