WCU鈥檚 College of Education, Allied Professions launches new teacher pathways
For over a century, 蘑菇短视频 has helped put teachers in classrooms across the region and beyond. Now, looking to address the state鈥檚 ongoing teacher shortage, WCU鈥檚 impact on education in North Carolina just grew stronger.
The College of Education and Allied Professions has launched two new online pathway programs for new teachers: an education residency licensure certificate and a track in the college鈥檚 Bachelor of Science program in special education.
鈥淥ur state has a massive teacher shortage, and we're trying to help fill that gap,鈥� said Kelly Tracy, director of the School of Teaching and Learning. 鈥淲e are doing really great things out here and constantly thinking about how to be better. We want to ensure that we're doing what we need for our state's children and our teachers.鈥�
The education residency licensure certificate, focused on elementary education, is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree and residency license, but are looking to pursue a professional educator鈥檚 license while teaching at a North Carolina public or charter school.
The certificate program is 21 credit hours, including an internship that鈥檚 completed in the candidate鈥檚 current classroom. This addition of the program comes as nearly 50% of teachers are now coming through alternative pathways.
WCU鈥檚 NC Promise tuition makes the program an attractive option, as it's even cheaper than other alternative pathways at community colleges across the state.
鈥淒eveloped in response to the needs of our district partners, this program is designed to prepare highly qualified teachers while creating an efficient, accessible and cost-effective pathway to the classroom,鈥� said Myra Watson, director of teacher and professional education.
鈥淲e are proud to expand opportunities for future educators and to strengthen the educator workforce in the communities we serve.鈥�
The online adaptation of the existing B.S.Ed. in special education is designed specifically for paraprofessionals working in schools. The program aims to equip educators with skills to effectively teach students with a variety of disabilities.
鈥淲e are excited to work with our inaugural class of special education and inclusive learning for paraprofessionals,鈥� said Tammy Barron, special education program coordinator.
鈥淲e are eager to provide a pathway for paraprofessionals to advance and become teachers and strive to do it in a way that addresses the unique needs of this group. We greatly value the opportunity to work closely with our school partners to do so.鈥�
鈥淎s we always have been, we're fully committed to developing excellent teachers,鈥� Tracy said. 鈥淎ll of us, of course, are committed, and feel immense support from our dean, the Provost and the Chancellor.鈥�