Western is an original member of a statewide NC TEACH program administered by The University of North Carolina. NC TEACH is one component of Western’s outstanding teacher preparation program.
Depending upon your qualifications, you have three options: follow a licensure-only plan, secure a job as a lateral entry teacher, or complete requirements for a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree.
- Licensure-only students learn before they begin teaching—they take all courses for licensure and apply for jobs as a fully licensed teacher.
- Lateral entry teachers learn while they are teaching—they are hired as a lateral entry teacher (you must be considered “highly qualified”) and take licensure courses while teaching.
- MAT students earn a teaching license and a master’s degree at the same time they’re preparing for a new career.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Meet prerequisite requirements of the department
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
- Interview
For information about Western’s Alternative Licensure Programs, see http://alternativelicensure.wcu.edu, or contact:
Janice Holt, Director
Center for the Support of Beginning Teachers and
Office of Alternative Licensure
College of Education and Allied Professions
223 Killian Building
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-7027
holt@email.wcu.edu
For more information about the statewide NC TEACH program, see http://ncteach.net.