WCE Offers New Residency Programs

UNCW’s Watson College of Education has introduced new graduate-level certificate programs for Middle Grades and Special Education residency teachers seeking NC licensure.

“With the current teacher shortage, school districts are looking to alternative pathways to fill vacancies,” said Watson College Dean Tracy Linderholm. “We are pleased to provide new program options for educators who enter the profession as residency teachers.”

In North Carolina, individuals with a bachelor’s degree may begin teaching with a residency – or temporary – license while working toward full  licensure. They can pursue licensure by enrolling in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, which leads to a graduate degree, or in a residency licensure program, which is not a degree program but provides a shorter path to certification.

“It is challenging for beginning teachers who need to balance full-time classroom responsibilities with licensure requirements,” said WCE Associate Dean Heidi Higgins. “Our new certificate programs are designed for teachers looking to clear their residency license as quickly as possible. What’s more, all courses also apply toward an MAT degree, should participants choose to continue their education.”

Middle Grades Education Clinical Residency is an 18-credit hour post-baccalaureate certificate program for non-certified teachers who have been hired to teach math, science, language arts or social studies in grades 6-9. Coursework is designed to lead to NC middle-level teacher certification.

Clinical Residency in Special Education is a 21-credit hour post-baccalaureate certificate program for non-certified teachers who have been hired as a special education teacher of learners with disabilities. Students can select from two concentrations: Special Education: General Curriculum or Special Education: Adapted Curriculum. Coursework is designed to lead to NC Special Education (K-12) teacher certification.

Courses are offered entirely online, with field experiences completed in the teacher’s own classroom. WCE provides personalized advising, and edTPA support is embedded within each program to help guide participants through the licensure process.

UNCW’s Graduate School is now accepting applications.

Contacts:

• Middle Grades Education Clinical Residency: Jeremy Hilburn hilburnj@uncw.edu
• Clinical Residency in Special Education: Dr. Sharon Richter richtersm@uncw.edu

For more information, visit WCE’s Residency Licensure webpage.