South Carolina teachers demand action on classroom safety, pay in 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WTOC) - South Carolina teachers are calling on lawmakers to prioritize improved working conditions, enhanced safety measures and continued pay raises when the General Assembly reconvenes next month.

The number of vacant teaching positions across the state has declined over the past two years after reaching historic highs. Teachers credit legislative actions at the State House as a driving factor and want momentum to continue.

“2025 was a historic year for K-12 education in South Carolina,” said Patrick Kelly of the Palmetto State Teachers Association.

Enforcement of existing protections sought

The state enacted the Educator Assistance Act, which reformed the contract process for teachers and guaranteed working condition improvements. The law requires schools to provide teachers with two preparation days before students arrive at the start of the school year.

However, a significant number of teachers report they did not receive those preparation days this year.

“That is so valued. That is more important, really, than some of the professional development,” said Dena Crews of the South Carolina Education Association.

Other teachers claim their schools are not providing the daily break they are supposed to receive under an earlier state law.

The state’s two leading educator advocacy groups want lawmakers to ensure schools follow through on these requirements.

“If state policy is not being followed, there needs to be a consequence,” Kelly said.

Student behavior concerns growing

Teachers report a growing issue with persistently disruptive and dangerous student behavior. The advocacy groups say too many members have told them that after these incidents, students speak with an administrator then immediately return to the classroom.

“A teacher who’s getting struck as part of their job, having to go to the ER as part of their job, they’re not staying, no matter how much you pay them. We’ve got to get a handle on that,” Kelly said.

The groups want lawmakers and the State Board of Education to address classroom safety while providing students with needed supports. They say parents and teachers should be part of discussions before disruptive students return to their classrooms.

“To talk about what needs to be put in place to support the student so that their behavior is what needs to take place within the school building,” Crews said.

Pay raises remain priority

Teacher pay continues to be a significant part of the conversation. The governor has repeatedly called for the General Assembly to raise the statewide minimum teacher pay to $50,000 by 2026.

The state raised the minimum to $48,500 this year, putting it within striking distance of that goal.

Educator groups also want lawmakers to address teachers being required to work outside the school day without pay. Some teachers are being forced to work outside their contracted number of days.