Western Carolina University's licensure programs open the door for those who already have degrees and are ready for the challenge of teaching. Our programs are designed to recruit, train, and support recent college graduates, mid-career professionals, and retirees as they enter the teaching profession. Western is also an original member of a statewide NC TEACH program administered by The University of North Carolina. WCU Alternative Licensure is one component of Western's outstanding teacher preparation program.

Want to Teach in NC through an Alternative Entry Program?

Depending upon your qualifications, you have three options: follow a licensure-only plan, secure a job as a lateral entry teacher, or complete requirements for a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree.

Licensure-only students learn before they begin teaching—they take all courses for licensure and apply for jobs as fully licensed teachers.

Lateral entry teachers learn while they are teaching—if they are considered highly qualified, they are hired as lateral entry teachers and take licensure courses while teaching.

MAT students prepare to earn a teaching license and earn a master’s degree while getting ready for a new career.

Lateral Entry Program Designed for the Working Professional

WCU understands the challenges facing lateral entry teachers. We know you have the added responsibility of completing licensure requirements in the first three years of teaching, often driving to class at the end of an exhausting school day. In response to these needs, we have designed a program allowing middle and secondary lateral entry teachers of English, mathematics, science, and social studies, BK, and K-12 special education to complete all licensure coursework online.

Additionally, Western is one of four universities participating in NC TEACH II, a U.S. Department of Education Transition to Teaching grant. NC TEACH II works directly with identified school districts to recruit and prepare lateral entry teachers in high-need subject areas who are committed to remaining in a teaching position in a high-need school district for a minimum of three years.

Whichever option you choose—licensure-only or lateral entry—Western can help you reach your goal.

Course Delivery to Fit Your Schedule, Needs

WCU alternative licensure students have the option of taking their licensure courses in person, online, or blend both delivery options to fit their schedules.

Requirements

Applicants must

• either hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a major that is relevant to the subject(s) they want to teach or have completed 24 hours of coursework in that subject or subjects;

• have minimum of 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework;

• attend an interview;

• gain admission into Western’s graduate program;

• successfully complete graduate school-technology orientation offered through WCU Distance Learning – University Experience 501;

• complete Western’s Alternative Licensure eligibility/pre-evaluation form.

NC TEACH Online comprises the following:

• 15 hours of graduate licensure coursework (these hours may be applicable to the MAT degree in Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics and Social Science)

• 3-9 hour internship

• Teacher Work Sample portfolio

• State-required licensure examinations

• Appropriate networkable computer

• Daily access to the internet

Depending upon your academic background, you may be required to take content courses as prerequisites in addition to those offered through this program.

Admission

To be admitted to Western’s Alternative Licensure program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a major that is relevant to the subject(s) you want to teach or 24 hours of coursework in that subject(s)
• Minimum of 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
• Interview
• Admission into Western’s graduate program
• Successful completion of graduate school - technology orientation offered through WCU Distance Learning – University Experience 501
• Click here to complete Western’s Alternative Licensure eligibility/pre-evaluation form.

Tuition and fees

Additional costs may include textbooks, high speed internet access, subscription to TaskStream, web cam and headphones. For information about tuition and fees, click here.

For further information

Click here to request more information.