Wake Technical Community College announced a new, online accelerated pathway in July for those interested in becoming a licensed elementary school teacher.

The program, which launches this fall, is part of a collaboration with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Community College System called the Cultivating Carolina Classrooms initiative. The program provides individuals with a bachelor’s degree an alternate path to earning credentials for elementary education licensure.

Dr. Ileetha Groom, director of K-12 education at Wake Tech, said that skilled, well-qualified teachers are needed now more than ever. 

“Many new teachers transition from other professions. Our new program will prepare them by focusing on literacy, STEM, and classroom management skills,” Groom said. “We work closely with the local school system to ensure our program integrates with school mentoring as well as local and state requirements.”

According to a press release from Wake Tech, the program is a “strategic initiative that aims to address the shortage of elementary school teachers.”

Being a part of Cultivating Carolina Classrooms is a different version of an educator preparation program. People pursuing this pathway can earn a residency license, which is given to those who use alternative pathways other than a traditional degree program, often known as lateral entry. According to the State of the Teaching Profession report, 11,136 teachers held a residency license during the 2022-23 school year.

As for the format, the program contains six courses and offers fall and spring enrollment options. It can be completed in 18 months. Students can receive mentoring from Wake County Public Schools elementary school educators. Assignments are grade-specific so instruction can be tailored to the needs of each participant.

The program costs less than  $2,500 and financial aid options are available. 

To be admitted, students must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.7 grade point average. They will also need a letter of employment or promised placement from a local educational agency or public school unit in North Carolina, according to Wake Tech’s program page.

At Wake Tech, students can also enroll in programs for early childhood education and university transfer degrees specific to licensed arts and science teacher preparation. More information about the college’s education programs can be found here.