Photo: The Clemson University College of Education honors teachers every year during Extra Yard for Teachers.

South Carolina teachers pursuing graduate education programs in Clemson University’s College of Education will receive a 10 percent tuition reduction thanks to the college’s new SC Teacher Incentive Program beginning in the 2019-20 academic year.

The program will apply to four of the college’s online master’s programs: its Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning, M.Ed. in Literacy, and both the M.Ed. and Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision. The discount will apply to any South Carolina teacher currently employed in a K-12 classroom.

Jeff Marshall, associate dean for research and graduate studies in the college, said the program is part of the college’s continuing effort to effect positive change across the state.

“When the educators in our state are better trained and more prepared, they are more capable of creating positive impacts that are felt far beyond the classroom,” Marshall said. “Making these programs more easily attainable to working teachers falls right in line with the missions of our college and Clemson University.”

In 2019, Clemson’s M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning was ranked the best online graduate education program in the nation for the second year in a row, according to U.S. News & World Report. The fully online program features a rich, engaging curriculum that prepares educators to advance their professional standing in just 18 months. Students have the option of personalizing their experience by selecting from one of three specialization areas: STEAM, experiential learning for early childhood, or instructional coaching.

The M.Ed. in Literacy deepens the knowledge of literacy theories, processes, strategies, curriculum, and research for literacy professionals. Graduates go on to plan appropriate literacy programs and curricula for a variety of contexts and communicate information to a wide variety of audiences.

The M.Ed. and Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision prepare experienced educators to serve students and communities collaboratively and solve the complex problems facing schools. Program students earn an advanced degree in educational leadership as they go on to become building or district-level leaders (e.g., principals, curriculum specialists, superintendents).

George J. Petersen, founding dean of the College of Education, said the SC Teacher Incentive Program is another in a series of innovative approaches in the college to better serve teachers across the state, particularly those in underserved areas who benefit greatly from distance learning options.

“Providing easier, more affordable access to our college’s best-in-class programs is truly a ‘win-win’ for our college and the educators in our state,” Petersen said. “It’s our way of saying ‘Thank you’ to teachers who are dedicated to improving themselves and, by extension, outcomes for their students.”