The Watson College of Education supports its graduates in the first three years of their teaching career through the First Years of Teaching Support Program. This program engages teachers in reflective decision-making focused on developing instructional practices that increase student performance.
This PDS initiative is designed to recognize teachers in our partnership schools who have demonstrated excellence in teaching during their tenure as partnership teachers. These teachers will receive 30 hours of professional development and work closely with a WCE faculty member on shared professional growth opportunity.
The Watson College of Education National Board Certification Support Program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington began in 2001 and continues to be a valuable resource. Activities and delivery sequence are structured to provide intensive support for all candidates and to address the changes implemented each year by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
As an anchor institution for the NC New Teacher Support Program, UNCW works with select beginning teachers in charter and traditional public schools in Sampson, Onslow, and New Hanover counties. The program, which provides individualized coaching and professional development, is designed to improve teacher retention, effectiveness, and student learning.
Each year, WCE recognizes new teachers, nominated by their school system, who show leadership and innovation in the classroom. The POL Program gives new teachers an opportunity to work with a UNCW Master Teacher, participate in professional development sessions and provide professional development for other beginning teachers.
In 2022, the Watson College launched an Educators of Color Network to provide opportunities for educators to work together to recruit and retain teachers of color. More than 150 educators from across the state are participating in the EOC Network.
The Betty Stike Educational Laboratory at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is designed as a critical component of the undergraduate elementary and special education programs. Students practice the methods they are learning in their courses by tutoring a child in a one-on-one setting.
The Watson College of Education strives to make high quality placements for candidates in a variety of supportive, professional settings during their education program. This process includes a commitment to making diverse internship placements with outstanding, experienced partnership teachers, administrators, and business leaders who support and guide interns in a professional and productive manner.