Welcome to the South Carolina Career & Technical Education Work-Based Certification Pre-Service/In-Service Training Program webpage. This webpage contains information for teachers completing the initial professional education requirements for work-based teacher certification. Developing Instructional Readiness for Educators of Career and Technical Education, also known as DIRECT, addresses the needs of a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher and is coordinated by the South Carolina Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education.
Individuals participating in the CTE Work-Based Certification Program will complete four DIRECT in-service training courses during their first two years of teaching. For any questions regarding the DIRECT training, please reach out to ctecertification@ed.sc.gov.
DIRECT Instruction Content
While each cohort in the DIRECT curriculum is tailored to focus on a distinct dimension of teaching, intentional overlap and iterative refinement ensure a cohesive and evolving learning experience. Below is an overview of the curriculum progression:
DIRECT 1: Methods of Teaching - Educators explore essential classroom practices, including lesson planning, integrating instructional technology, and strategies for launching a successful school year.
DIRECT 2: Classroom and Lab Management - This cohort centers on developing classroom assessments, designing effective management plans, and understanding professional ethics within the educational environment.
DIRECT 3: Curriculum Design - Participants establish course pacing guides and syllabi, form advisory boards, and engage with Project-Based Learning principles and cross-curricular integration strategies.
DIRECT 4: Assessment and CTSO Integration - Educators refine materials developed in prior cohorts, evaluate teaching resources, and deepen their understanding of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) relevant to their subject area.
Training Information
All training is conducted in person at Midlands Technical College, Airport Campus (Congaree Building 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, SC, 29170). Training days last from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with breaks. Lunch is on your own from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Participants are required to bring a laptop with a power cord. All course materials will be provided to the participants electronically and printed materials can be provided upon request to your instructor at least two days prior to training. Participants will be assigned a CTE Mentor during their first and second year of teaching to assist in transitioning from the industry into the classroom.
Year One
Direct 1 Cohort Options
CTE teachers will complete Direct 1 and Direct 2 during their first certified year as a CTE teacher. Participants are required to register for one of the cohort options listed below to complete the Direct 1 training which consists of five training days. Training days last from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration information is provided to candidates through My SC Educator Portal with issuance of the Induction certificate. For more information on advancing to an Induction certificate, please visit the Apply for CTE Work-Based Certification webpage.
| Spring Cohort Dates |
| January 10, 2026 |
| January 31, 2026 |
| February 21, 2026 |
| March 21, 2026 |
| March 28, 2026 |
Direct 2 Cohort Options
After completing Direct 1, participants must register for one of the cohort options listed below to complete the Direct 2 training which consists of four training days. Training days last from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration information is provided to candidates after completion of the Direct 1 training.
| Spring Cohort Dates |
| January 10, 2026 |
| January 31, 2026 |
| February 21, 2026 |
| March 21, 2026 |
Year Two
Direct 3 Cohort Options
CTE teachers will complete Direct 3 and Direct 4 during their second certified year as a CTE teacher. Participants are required to register for one of the cohort options listed below to complete the Direct 3 training which consists of five training days. Training days last from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration information is provided to candidates after completion of the Direct 2 training.
Upcoming Direct 3 Cohort training dates are to be determined.
Direct 4 Cohort Options
After completing Direct 3, participants must register for one of the cohort options listed below to complete the Direct 4 training which consists of four training days. Training days last from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration information is provided to candidates after completion of the Direct 3 training.
| Spring Cohort Dates |
| January 10, 2026 |
| January 31, 2026 |
| February 21, 2026 |
| March 21, 2026 |
