UNC System awards $400,000 to address state teacher shortage
NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — The University of North Carolina System has awarded $400,000 in grants to 15 of its institutions to support teacher apprenticeships and new pathways into the teaching profession.
The funding is part of an effort to address North Carolina’s teacher shortage by helping universities prepare more educators for K-12 classrooms across the state.
According to the UNC System, more than 4,000 educators work in North Carolina public schools under temporary licenses. The annual attrition rate for public school teachers reached 10% last year, according to a report cited in the announcement.
UNC System President Peter Hans said the grants will help universities adapt their programs to meet the state’s workforce needs and encourage more graduates to pursue teaching careers.
Several universities are developing new approaches to teacher preparation.
NC State University is creating a program to help military veterans transition into teaching through mentorship and leadership development. The university is also developing a pathway for undergraduates to earn teacher licensure through a dual major in education and a high-demand subject, such as mathematics.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is developing an accelerated Master of Education program focused on reading instruction, while UNC Charlotte is designing an early recruitment program for English and history majors interested in earning teaching licenses.
UNC Asheville is creating an “earn-while-you-learn” pathway for working adults who want to transition into teaching. UNC Pembroke is partnering with Bladen County Schools to develop a program that allows teaching assistants to earn full teaching licensure.
The UNC System also plans to establish teacher apprenticeship tracks at each of its institutions to expand work-based learning opportunities.
Ashton Clemmons, the system’s associate vice president for P-12 strategy and policy, said the initiatives are intended to strengthen the state’s education workforce through new approaches to teacher preparation.
