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Residency Licensure

Academic Programs

Residency licensure teachers in the UNCW Watson College of Education may enroll in our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs to earn both a graduate degree and complete the requirements for residency licensure. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs are also offered to clear the residency license. Upon completion, all post-baccalaureate coursework may be applied to an MAT program.  

MAT Programs

MAT programs are available in the following licensure areas:

The benefits of completing a MAT program at UNCW include:

  • Personalized residency licensure support and advising
  • Fast-track program completion options designed for residency teachers
  • Financial aid and scholarships may be available
  • Field experiences and the full-time internship may be completed in your classroom
  • Small class sizes and all classes offered online
  • edTPA support embedded within each program
  • MAT programs serve residency licensure teachers located anywhere in NC

Certificate Programs 

Certificate programs are available in the following licensure areas: 

Courses in our 18-21-credit hour post-baccalaureate certificate programs are offered at the graduate level. Certificate programs are not degree programs, but are designed to lead to NC teacher certification in a specific field of study. All courses can be transferred into a Master of Arts in Teaching degree program.  

Note to school employees: MAT and certificate programs at UNCW are available to residency licensure teachers. School employees in teacher assistant and other roles who already hold a Bachelor's degree should enroll in MAT programs. Students in all programs must reside in the state of North Carolina. 

“ The support I received during the MAT Middle Grades program was truly exceptional. From edTPA guidance to licensure help, I always felt like I had a team behind me, especially thanks to your [Alternative Licensure Support Coordinator] ongoing encouragement and clear feedback. ”
Alex Busch MAT Middle Grades Education Residency Licensure Teacher
Alex Busch, MAT Middle Grades Education Residency Licensure Teacher

Learn More!

Residency Licensure Eligibility

Residency licensure teachers must meet the requirements listed below in order for UNCW to sign an RL form. The RL form is required for the school district to request residency licensure. 

Residency licensure eligibility requirements:

  • Full-time employment as a lead teacher in a classroom in your licensure area
  • Acceptance to, and continued participation in the MAT or certificate program in your licensure area
  • GPA of 2.7 based on 18 hours of relevant coursework
  • 24 hours of relevant coursework OR passing scores on the appropriate licensure exams

To check residency licensure eligibility, please email Nicole Geczi a copy of your undergraduate transcript and/or test scores. Relevant coursework will be verified by program faculty. Please note that the 24 hours of relevant coursework for elementary education and EC-GC includes 2 courses each in math, science, English, and social studies.

Residency licensure teachers should discuss their eligibility with the licensure specialist in their school district. Districts may choose to hire teachers for one year on a Permit to Teach and/or Emergency License to provide time to meet the residency licensure eligibility requirements. Teachers may be eligible to begin MAT programs while hired on one of these licenses.

For more information, or help finding the pathway that works best for you, please contact: 

Alternative Licensure Support and Placements Coordinator
Nicole Geczi
geczin@uncw.edu 
910.962.3561

 

“ I was enrolled at UNCW to acquire my MAT in Elementary Education as a residency license teacher, and I could not have asked for a better experience! The support was overall phenomenal - from the professors to licensure navigation to edTPA (start to finish, even the submission!). There was not a moment during my enrollment that I felt alone or unable to ask for help. The biggest support I found was the edTPA submission when we got a day on campus specifically to help ensure all components of the edTPA were successfully uploaded and formatted correctly! ”
Stephani MAT Elementary Education Residency Licensure Teacher
Stephani, MAT Elementary Education Residency Licensure Teacher