WCE Celebrates Residency Teachers

This spring, 22 residency teachers earned a master’s degree or completed a graduate certificate program leading to North Carolina teacher certification at UNCW’s Watson College of Education.

We are pleased to share a new collection of “It Begins with Teachers” videos featuring three outstanding educators who entered the profession as residency teachers: Jeff Zanelotti, an English teacher at J C Roe Academy, and the first to earn a graduate certificate in secondary education from the Watson College in May 2025; Shalay Blue-Diaz ’26M, a 6th grade social studies teacher at Holly Shelter Middle School and Sophie Foster ’26M, 6th grade ELA teacher at Burgaw Middle School and North Carolina’s 2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year Runner-Up.

Residency licensure offers an alternative pathway into the teaching profession, allowing qualified individuals to begin teaching with a temporary license while working toward full licensure. Participants can pursue certification through a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program or a residency licensure post-baccalaureate certificate, which provides a shorter, non-degree route. Credits earned in the certificate program are fully transferable and may be applied toward an MAT degree.

“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 offer both degree and certificate options across multiple fields for educators entering the profession as residency teachers.”

This year’s completers include teachers who earned MAT degrees in elementary, middle grades, art, physical education/health and Spanish education, as well as those who earned graduate certificates in secondary education and teaching English as a second language.

The Watson College has recently expanded its residency offerings to include graduate-level certificate programs in middle grades and special education, along with a MAT in special education.

Designed for working professionals, all MAT and graduate certificate courses are offered fully online, with field experiences completed in participants’ own classrooms. The college also provides personalized advising, and edTPA support is embedded throughout each program to guide candidates through the licensure process.

“Nearly half of North Carolina teachers now enter the profession through alternative pathways,” said Nicole Geczi, Alternative Licensure Support and Placements Coordinator. “Balancing full-time teaching with licensure requirements can be challenging, but our programs provide the flexibility and support new teachers need to succeed. It’s exciting to see enrollment growing and to celebrate the success of our residency teachers in the classroom.”

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