South Piedmont Community College is now offering educators an affordable, accessible option for securing their state teaching licenses.
In June, South Piedmont’s accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, approved South Piedmont’s proposal to begin offering an Educator Preparation Program.
“We are thrilled to offer this program as part of our efforts to partner with local school districts to address persistent teacher shortages,” said South Piedmont President Dr. Maria Pharr.
“We look forward to welcoming our first group of Educator Preparation Program students this fall, and working alongside them as they expand their knowledge and skills, work toward state licensure, and prepare for successful, fulfilling careers in education.”
As part of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Cultivating Carolina Classroom’s initiative, South Piedmont’s Educator Preparation Program is designed for working elementary-school teachers who already have bachelor’s degrees.
Over the course of three semesters, EPP students will study pedagogy, classroom management, and other topics needed to prepare them for state licensure. Students will be able to complete the program both in person and online through the College’s HyFlex technology. HyFlex allows students to choose, day by day, how and when they’ll attend class: in person, online in real time, or online at a time that fits their schedules.