Teacher Preparation

A teacher preparation program gives you the education, coursework, and practical foundation you need to pursue a career in teaching. At South Piedmont Community College, you can begin your path with an Associate in Arts (AATP) or Associate in Science (ASTP) in Teacher Preparation and then transfer to a four-year institution to continue your education degree.

You can earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation at South Piedmont Community College. Both programs are designed to prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university where you can continue working toward a bachelor’s degree in education. A bachelor’s degree is required to be a full-time, licensed teacher.

You can choose from three teacher preparation pathways at South Piedmont Community College:
Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP): A 60-credit-hour program that typically takes about two years to complete.
Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation (ASTP): A 61-credit-hour program that typically takes about two years to complete.
Elementary Education Residency Licensure Certificate: An 18-credit-hour program designed for eligible educators pursuing elementary education licensure.

Yes. South Piedmont offers its Teacher Preparation programs in a hyflex format, allowing you to choose whether you attend online or in-person based on your schedule. You can review the current course schedule and program requirements to determine which courses and delivery options fit your needs.

A teacher preparation program gives you the education, coursework, and practical foundation you need to pursue a career in teaching. At South Piedmont Community College, you can begin your path with an Associate in Arts (AATP) or Associate in Science (ASTP) in Teacher Preparation and then transfer to a four-year institution to continue your education degree.

You can typically complete South Piedmont’s Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation or Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation in about two years. The AATP requires 60 credit hours, while the ASTP requires 61 credit hours.
The Elementary Education Residency Licensure Certificate requires 18 credit hours and can typically be completed in about 1.5 years.

The AATP and ASTP both provide a foundation for continuing your education at a four-year institution. The AATP places greater emphasis on humanities, arts, and social sciences, while the ASTP includes additional emphasis on mathematics and natural sciences.
You can choose the pathway that best matches your interests, intended bachelor’s degree and teaching field.

Yes. You can use your Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation or Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation as a pathway toward transferring to a four-year college or university. You should work with an advisor and your intended transfer institution to make sure your coursework meets your bachelor’s degree requirements.

You can earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation at South Piedmont Community College. Both programs are designed to prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university where you can continue working toward a bachelor’s degree in education. A bachelor’s degree is required to be a full-time, licensed teacher.

The Elementary Education Residency Licensure Certificate is an 18-credit-hour program for eligible educators who hold a bachelor’s degree, are already working in elementary education, and need to pursue state teaching licensure.
You can complete six courses across three semesters as you work toward meeting the requirements for elementary education licensure.

You may qualify for the Elementary Education Residency Licensure Certificate if you have a bachelor’s degree, are employed by a school district in a general elementary education classroom, and have 24 credit hours of coursework in the requested licensure area with a 2.7 GPA.

South Piedmont offers online/in-person Teacher Preparation programs, allowing you to complete eligible coursework through flexible delivery options. If you are looking for an online pathway toward a teaching career, you can review the current program requirements and course availability.

An associate degree can give you a strong foundation for continuing your education, but it does not by itself mean you have completed all requirements for teacher licensure. At South Piedmont, the Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation and Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation are designed to help you transfer to a four-year education program to meet North Carolina teacher licensure requirements.

South Piedmont’s Teacher Preparation programs can give you a starting point if you want to pursue a career in education. You can begin with an associate degree and transfer to a four-year institution, or, if you already have a bachelor’s degree and meet the requirements, explore the Elementary Education Residency Licensure Certificate.

You can get started by reviewing the Teacher Preparation program options, comparing the Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation, Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation, and Elementary Education Residency Licensure Certificate, and contacting South Piedmont Community College for information about admissions, advising, transfer planning, and program requirements.

Next Stop: TeachUCPS is a teacher pipeline partnership among Union County Public Schools, South Piedmont Community College, and Wingate University. The program helps current and future educators begin an affordable, supported pathway toward a teaching degree, North Carolina licensure, and a career serving Union County students.

Yes. If you are a high school student interested in education, you can explore opportunities such as Next Stop: Teach UCPS. The program can help you begin earning college credits and exploring a potential career in teaching before you graduate from high school.

If you are interested in becoming a teacher and want to get an early start, you can learn more about Next Stop: Teach UCPS and its opportunities for high school students.