State Board of Community Colleges approves new teacher licensing certificates to support rising need for elementary instructors

For Immediate Release 

Feb. 20, 2023 

RALEIGH – Bachelor-degree graduates who are considering a career in the elementary school classroom may soon be able to receive teaching licensing at five North Carolina community colleges after approval from the State Board of Community Colleges on Friday. 

The new program makes teacher licensing more affordable and convenient with classes at local community colleges. The colleges’ applications now go to the State Board of Education for approval. The program is a part of a three-pronged approach to address the growing teacher shortage in North Carolina. 

In addition to the new program, the North Carolina Community College System has signed two new articulation agreements with the University of North Carolina System and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and 57 of 58 colleges are now offering Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation and Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation degrees. 

The five institutions approved to offer the new licensing residency program Friday were Alamance, Central Piedmont, Fayetteville Technical, McDowell Technical, and Western Piedmont community colleges. Blue Ridge and Wayne community colleges also were approved in January. 

“North Carolina community colleges are making it easier and more affordable to become an elementary school teacher in your community,” said Interim President Dr. Bill Carver “We are committed to supporting the needs of the state through education programs that quickly and appropriately prepare graduates for vital classroom responsibilities.” 

Other Business

• The State Board of Community Colleges approved $5.6 million for each year for five years to fund Career Coaches in North Carolina high schools. The coaches will work with students to determine career goals and identify the corresponding community college programs. 

• The Board approved $2.45 million for the Summer Accelerator Grant Program, which provide awards to students enrolling in summer courses to achieve an accelerated degree or credential, or are in need of developmental (remedial) courses or other summer supports. 

• The Board approved the Career and College Promise (CCP) Annual Report and the Cooperative Innovative High School (CIHS) Annual Report for the 2021-22 academic year. 

Approved Programs 

• The Board approved the following new programs: 

• Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Associate Degree in Entrepreneurship, Associate Degree in Environmental Engineering Technology, and Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration at Blue Ridge Community College; 

• Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts at Fayetteville Technical Community College; 

• Associate Degree in Industrial Systems Technology at James Sprunt Community College; and 

• Practical Nursing Diploma at Alamance Community College; 

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About the North Carolina Community College System  
The North Carolina Community College System is a network created to improve the quality of life across North Carolina by opening the door to opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success and develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce. The 58 institutions located throughout the state work to provide easy access to low-cost, high-quality educational opportunities and academic support that focuses on increasing employability. For more information, please visit: www.nccommunitycolleges.edu.