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Residency Licensure

Academic Programs

Become a Licensed NC Teacher—While You Teach.

Fast. Flexible. Supported. 100% Online Options.

Our residency licensure programs are designed for classroom teachers who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking North Carolina teacher certification. We offer fully online Graduate Certificate and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs built for working professionals.

Learn in your own classroom with expert faculty support and dedicated guidance for edTPA and licensure. Many programs can be completed in just over one year.

Virtual Information Sessions

Register today to join us for a one-hour session to explore our online pathways to clear your residency license!

Don’t miss this chance to take the next step in your teaching career. Registration links above!

Want more info? Contact Nicole Geczi at geczin@uncw.edu

Certificate programs Certificate Programs Our graduate certificates offer a fast-track, fully online pathway to North Carolina licensure. All certificate credits are fully transferable and can be applied toward an MAT degree. Learn More About Certificates
MAT programs MAT Programs Our Master of Arts in Teaching programs allow you to earn your graduate degree while completing residency licensure requirements at the same time. Learn More About MAT Programs
Student showing two thumbs up Need Help Choosing? If you’d like help identifying the pathway that best fits your goals, please contact, please contact Nicole Geczi, Alternative Licensure Support and Placements Coordinator at geczin@uncw.edu Email Coordinator

Certificate Programs

For current residency teachers, teaching assistants, and individuals seeking K–12 art teaching licensure.

Learn more about Art Education Residency Licensure

For residency teachers seeking B-K licensure.

Learn more about B-K Licensure

For residency teachers hired to teach middle school math, science, language arts, or social studies

Learn more about Middle Grades Residency Licensure

For residency high school teachers in English, math, science, or social studies

Learn more about Secondary Education Residency Licensure

For residency teachers working with learners with mild to moderate disabilities

Learn more about Special Education GC Residency Licensure

For residency teachers working with students with significant intellectual and multiple disabilities

Learn more about Special Education AC Residency Licensure

For residency teachers seeking ESL certification

Learn more about English as a Second Language Residency Licensure

MAT Programs

Share your love of art as an elementary, middle grades or high school teacher

Learn more about an MAT in Art Education

 

Elementary Education (K-6)

Teach a variety of subjects and lay the foundation of children’s futures as an elementary school teacher

Learn more about an MAT in Elementary Education

 

Teach subjects you enjoy with a concentration in math, science, language arts, or social studies

Learn more about an MAT in Middle Grades Education
Provides a pathway to teach high school English, math, science, or social studies

Learn more about an MAT in Secondary Education
Teach learners with mild to moderate disabilities in general education curriculum programs

Learn more About an MAT in Special Education GC
Teach learners with significant intellectual and multiple disabilities in adapted curriculum programs.

Learn more about an MAT in Special Education AC
Will prepare you to teach and coach in K12 schools

Learn more about an MAT in PE and Health Education
Teach Spanish in elementary, middle school or high school

Learn more about an MAT in Spanish Education
Will prepare you to meet the needs of English language learners

Learn more about an MAT in Teaching English as a Second Language

Connect With Us!

UNCW’s MAT and certificate programs are available to residency licensure teachers. School employees in teacher assistant or similar roles who already hold a bachelor’s degree may enroll in the B-K certificate program and are eligible for certificate programs in Art, ESL and Special Education. All other TAs and candidates not currently employed in schools should enroll in an MAT program. All students must reside in North Carolina.

Residency teachers must have:

  • Full-time employment as a lead teacher in your licensure area
  • Admission and active participation in the applicable UNCW program
  • A minimum 2.7 GPA based on 18 hours of relevant coursework
  • 24 hours of relevant coursework OR passing licensure exam scores

To verify your eligibility, email your transcript and/or test scores to Nicole Geczi. Our faculty will review your coursework and help you confirm your pathway.

Note: Elementary Education and EC–GC teachers must have 24 hours that include two courses each in math, science, English, and social studies.

Residency teachers should also consult their district licensure specialist. Districts may use a Permit to Teach or Emergency License for one year to allow time to meet eligibility requirements. Teachers may be able to begin a program while working under these licenses.

Still have questions about our residency programs? Email Nicole Geczi, Alternative Licensure Support and Placements Coordinator at geczin@uncw.edu.

Residency Pathways to Teaching

Residency teachers enter the profession through many paths. Some are career changers—from the military or other fields—while others move from private to public schools. Many are recent graduates with degrees outside education. Some begin in MAT programs as traditional graduate students or teaching assistants and step into lead teaching roles, completing their degrees as residency teachers. We’re pleased to share a selection of their stories.

Marisa Hayes '26M

A love of history inspired Marisa Hayes to become a middle school social studies teacher in Brunswick County. She spent three years as a residency teacher in Brunswick County while completing her MAT in middle grades education at UNCW.

Marisa Hayes '26M

Jennifer Casey

After 15 years advocating for children in social work, Jennifer Casey found a rewarding second career as a high school English teacher. She earned a graduate certificate in secondary education from UNCW’s Watson College of Education in May.

Jennifer Casey

Kellie Brumble '26M

Years of coaching volleyball led Kellie Brumble to discover a passion for teaching. Now a sixth grade math teacher in Greenville, she recently graduated from WCE’s MAT program in elementary education.

Kellie Brumble '26M

Cole Chipman '24, '26M

A UNCW exercise science graduate and son of two educators, Cole Chipman has found his passion and purpose in teaching. He began his career as a residency teacher in Wilkes County and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching in PE/Health in May.

Cole Chipman '24, '26M

Tina Collins '26M

After years moving as a military spouse, Tina Collins found her path in education through substitute teaching, then as an instructional assistant. She became a residency teacher in Pender County and earned her MAT in May.

Tina Collins '26M

Triniti Lambert

With a background in exercise science, chemistry and volleyball, Triniti Lambert found her calling in teaching and coaching. A residency teacher earning secondary science licensure this summer, she values the opportunity to learn while leading her own classroom.

Triniti Lambert

Jennifer Blandin '26M

Originally planning for law school, Jennifer Blandin found her calling in teaching. A sixth grade social studies teacher, she says pursing her master’s as a residency teacher – with an opportunity to grow professionally while actively teaching – been an invaluable experience.

Jennifer Blandin '26M

Michelle Clift Scibetta '26M

Michelle Clift-Scibetta was a teaching assistant and active parent in her school community for several years before stepping into her role as residency art teacher. She earned her MAT in Art Education from UNCW’s Watson College of Education in May.

Michelle Clift Scibetta '26M

Jessica Wheeler

After teaching Spanish briefly and spending years as a military spouse and stay-at-home mom, Jessica Wheeler returned to the classroom. She now teaches high school ESL and earned her graduate certificate from UNCW in May.

Jessica Wheeler

Mary Carper '26M

Mary Carper became a residency Spanish teacher in Forsyth County after earning degrees in Spanish and biology. She says UNCW’s MAT program strengthened her teaching and supports her passion for inspiring curiosity through language.

Mary Carper '26M

Meet Brooks Rockwell

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Brooks Rockwell began his career in education as a teaching assistant before becoming a residency kindergarten teacher. He earned his M.A.T. in Elementary Education from the Watson College in 2023. Discover his teaching journey in this It Begins with Teachers video.