Western Carolina University

Congratulations—you have been accepted into Western's alternative licensure program! Check this page often for announcements, program details, registration information, and more. Newly admitted students will find the Checklist for Newly Admitted Students very helpful. It provides the information you need as a newly admitted student.

Registration Information

When it’s time to register, your first step should be to contact your advisor and discuss the classes you need. Refer to the Alternative Licensure FAQ for the steps to register, pay fees, or purchase books.

Distance Information

If you are taking courses online or at a site other than Cullowhee or the campus of UNC-A, you may find the Distance and Online Programs' FAQs helpful. You can also call the distance learning help line toll free at 1-866-wcu-grad. A Distance Learning Schedule of Classes is available on the Educational Outreach website.

Student Teaching/Internship Experience

The Office of Alternative Licensure will notify you of Student Teaching/Internship Application deadlines and instructions on completing the application. The application will be submitted to the Office of Field Experiences, the office works diligently to find qualified placements for every student.

Stop Out Policy

Students that do not enroll in courses for one entire year (three semesters) are required to reapply to the university. Students are also required to follow new program requirements upon reentering the program.  

Securing a Teaching Position

If you are interested in securing a teaching position now, the minimum requirements for Becoming a Lateral-Entry Teacher are based on your academic content background. Be sure you meet at least one of the criteria established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Education recruitment fairs are held at Western in the fall and spring and also around the state. Check our Preparing for Job Fairs page for information that will help you get ready to meet school system representatives. You'll also find links to job fairs at Western, the region, and around the state.

The NC Department of Public Instruction website has an electronic application that can be used for all 117 school systems across the state. Choose “How to Apply.”  You can also use this site to link directly to each school system’s web information as well as postings of job vacancies. You should follow up with each school system to verify that they do not require additional documentation.

Preparing for Job Fairs

Check our Preparing for Job Fairs page for information that will help you prepare for education job fairs. Here you’ll find links to job fairs at Western, in the region, and around the state.

 

Praxis II Information and Preparation

Information about the Praxis II exam can be found at NC requirements on the ETS website (ets.org). Find the test you are interested in and click on the test number. This will lead you to "Tests at a Glance" which is a full explanation of the test, content covered, and sample questions with answers. 
 

Apply for a Teaching License

After you have complete all of your required course work listed on your personalized plan of study, please contact our licensure specialist, Barbara Schade, for instructions on how to apply for NC Teaching License.  

For more information, contact Leah Worley.