It Begins With Teachers

Recruitment & Enrollment Recruitment & Enrollment

EXPLORE UNCW's WATSON COLLEGE

Join the Watson family for exceptional programs, hands-on learning and a strong community of support. We offer programs for future teachers at all grade levels from Pre-k through high school, with many specializations to choose from. Whether you're a high school student, thinking of transferring from a community college or another university, or a prospective graduate student, you’ll find the program that’s right for you!

Discover all that Watson has to offer!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Table of important deadlines and dates
Watson Preview Day	TBD 2025	Learn more >
First Year Students - Apply By	November 1 - Early Action	February 1 - Regular Decision
Transfer Students - Apply By	March 1 - Priority	June 1 - Final
Graduate Students (MAT) - Apply By	November 1 - Spring Start	March 15 - Priority (Fall Start)	July 1 - Space Available (Fall Start)

Learn More!

Discover Watson College of Education

Undergraduate Programs Join the Watson family for exceptional bachelor’s degree and licensure programs, hands-on learning and a community of students, mentors and faculty supporting your journey to becoming a teacher. Learn More

Graduate Pathways to Teaching Master of Arts in Teaching programs provide a pathway to teaching for career changers and others with a bachelor's degree in another field. Learn More

Residency Licensure Programs Are you a residency teacher looking to earn a teaching license? We offer online graduate programs, personalized advising, edTPA support and more. Explore Programs

Pathways to Teaching

There are many pathways to becoming a teacher. We love to hear teachers share personal stories about what drew them to the profession and what they love about teaching. And, we’re pleased to share some of their stories with you!

Brian

How do you put 35 years of dedication to our Seahawks into words? Find out how Dr. Brian Brinkley’s life has been changed by working with our students to reach their fullest potential, as he celebrates his retirement after years of helping shape UNCW.

Kylee

We’re excited to share our newest It Begins with Teachers video featuring Kylee Maarschalk, English teacher at New Hanover High School and founding member of the Teaching with Joy Network! Hear how she brings creativity, connection, and joy to her classroom.

Brad

We’re proud to feature Brad Hodges ’13M, 8th grade social studies teacher at Murray Middle School, valued partnership teacher, and WCE Master Teacher! Check out his It Begins with Teachers video.

Hannah

We’re proud to feature Laney High School teacher Hannah Moon ’08M—Southeast Region Teacher of the Year and founding member of the Teaching with Joy Network! Watch her It Begins with Teachers video to see how she inspires both students and fellow educators.

Jeremy

Meet Jeremy Buie, Ashley High School biology teacher, longtime WCE partnership teacher, and founding member of the Teaching with Joy Network. See what fuels his passion for teaching in our It Begins with Teachers video

Natalie

We’re delighted to feature Natalie Tidler ’24M, third grade teacher at Rocky Point Elementary School! Discover her teaching journey in our latest It Begins with Teachers video.

Brooks

Meet Brooks Rockwell ’23M, second grade teacher at Belville Elementary School! In our latest It Begins with Teachers video, he shares how he builds a love of learning in his students every day.

Jessica

Meet Jessica Harvey, social studies teacher at Laney High School, founding member of the Teaching with Joy Network, and NHCS 2025–26 High School Educator of the Year! Watch her story in our new It Begins with Teachers video series.

Benjamin

Celebrating Benjamin Lord ’22M, 7th grade social studies teacher at Myrtle Grove Middle School and NHCS 2025–26 Educator of the Year! Watch his It Begins with Teachers story to discover what drives his passion for teaching.

Contact Us

Dean Heath, Recruitment Specialist

Phone: 910.962.3087

heatht@uncw.edu