School-Based Alternative Certification Programs in North Carolina

_{December 21, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Education}

What are school-based alternative certification programs in North Carolina?Explore school-based alternative certification programs in North Carolina. This article discusses programs designed to certify teachers through alternative routes offered within the state's school systems.

What are school-based alternative certification programs in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, school-based alternative certification programs provide pathways for individuals who have a bachelor's degree but did not complete a traditional teacher preparation program to become licensed teachers. These programs offer hands-on teaching experience, mentorship, and coursework to prepare individuals for a career in teaching.

Some of the school-based alternative certification programs in North Carolina include:

North Carolina Teach: This program allows individuals with a bachelor's degree to become licensed teachers while working full-time in a participating school. Participants receive mentoring and support from experienced teachers while completing required coursework.
NC State University - NC TEACH: NC State's NC TEACH program is designed for career-changers and offers a lateral entry pathway to teacher licensure. It provides a combination of online coursework and practical classroom experience in partnership with participating school districts.
UNC Charlotte - Urban Education Collaborative: UNC Charlotte offers an alternative licensure program geared toward individuals seeking to teach in urban settings. It provides coursework, mentoring, and practical experiences within diverse and high-needs schools.
Western Carolina University - North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NC CAT): This program offers an alternative licensure pathway in collaboration with school districts. It includes summer institutes, coursework, and ongoing support for participants during their first years of teaching.
East Carolina University - ECU Teach: ECU's program targets career-changers and provides a flexible, online pathway to licensure. Participants receive support from mentor teachers and complete required coursework while working in classrooms.

These programs typically combine classroom teaching experience, mentorship, and coursework to help individuals gain the necessary skills and knowledge to become licensed teachers in North Carolina. Each program may have specific admission requirements, coursework, and timelines, so interested individuals should directly contact the institutions offering these alternative certification programs for detailed information and application procedures.

What specific alternative certification programs exist in North Carolina's schools?

When it comes to alternative teacher certification programs in North Carolina, there are several exciting options available, catering to individuals who hold bachelor's degrees in various fields but haven't yet completed traditional teacher education programs. Here's a breakdown of some noteworthy alternatives:

North Carolina TEACH:

A state-approved program offering pathways to licensure in various critical shortage areas, including secondary English, math, science, social studies, K-12 foreign languages, and K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL).
Features paid teaching internships while receiving mentorship and completing coursework specific to the chosen subject area.
Offered through several partner universities across the state.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT):

Offered by many universities in North Carolina, this traditional graduate program combines advanced coursework in education pedagogy with content-specific studies in your chosen subject area.
Can lead to teacher licensure upon completion.
Often involves student teaching placements to gain practical classroom experience.

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Programs:

Designed for individuals with bachelor's degrees in fields other than education.
Focuses on providing the necessary pedagogical and content knowledge required for teacher licensure.
Typically offered as intensive programs lasting one year or less.

Alternative Licensure Programs:

Offered by some school districts in North Carolina through partnerships with universities or independent providers.
Can involve paid teaching positions combined with online or evening coursework.
Often tailored to specific subject areas or grade levels needed by the district.

Considerations for Choosing a Program:

Desired teaching area: Ensure the program offers licensure in the subject area you want to teach.
Cost and financial aid: Explore tuition, fees, and scholarship opportunities.
Program duration and intensity: Choose a program that fits your schedule and timeline.
Location and delivery format: Consider whether online, on-campus, or hybrid options are available.
Licensure requirements: Confirm the program prepares you for the specific licensure tests needed in North Carolina.

Resources for Finding Programs:

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI): https://www.dpi.nc.gov/educators/educators-licensure
North Carolina Association of Colleges and Universities (NCACU): https://www.ncpedia.org/north-carolina-association-colleges
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA): https://www.nc-sara.org/about-nc-sara

Remember, choosing the right alternative certification program is an important decision. Research thoroughly, contact program coordinators, and prioritize options aligned with your teaching aspirations and career goals.

I hope this information helps you navigate the exciting world of alternative teacher certification programs in North Carolina!