These pages are designed to guide your passage through the teacher education program at Western Carolina University. They outline the specific requirements students must meet to be approved for entry into the teacher education program, student teaching and certification. As you progress through our programs you will, from the first course on, be working in classrooms with practicing teachers.

Admission

Students who plan to receive a degree or certification in education and a license through WCU must apply for and be officially admitted to a teacher education program. The same criteria for admission apply to transfer students and four year undergraduate students. Acceptance and registration in a department does not guarantee admission to the teacher education program in that department

Career Opportunities
Our future teachers can choose to specialize by many different age ranges or skills as well as in many disciplines ranging from English and Art to Music and Science. Our programs are fully accredited  at the local, state, and national levels.

If you’re changing careers or already have a degree, consider some of WCU’s graduate or alternative licensure programs. Transfer students and community college transfers can get help from the admissions office to smooth their way.

Interested in careers in education outside the classroom? Western students can also study to become school psychologists, school counselors or educational administrators.

Early Field Experiences
Early Field Experiences involve observation, tutoring, service learning, teaching and other activities in public schools.

Internships & Student Teaching
All candidates, regardless of program, must complete an internship or student teaching experience in order to be recommended for North Carolina licensure.

Portfolio
The Teacher Work Sample (TWS) provides a written record of the ways the candidate plans instruction, teaches lessons, and learns from the teaching experience. The TWS is completed during internship or student teaching and must be submitted via TaskStream.

Instructional Technology Support
Our college provides educational and research support through consultation, instruction and equipment checkout (e.g., cameras, voice recorders) through the Instructional Technology Support.

Questions? Not sure what to do first?
Contact these program and subject specialty contacts.