The WS/FCS Teacher Residency Program is a state-approved alternative path to becoming a licensed teacher in North Carolina. It is designed for people who want to begin a teaching career, including current teacher assistants, former and current WS/FCS employees, substitute teachers, local college graduates and residents of the Triad area.

The program uses a mix of online and in-person learning. It begins with a six-week, in-person Summer Institute where you’ll gain hands-on experience and learn about key areas such as subject knowledge, teaching methods, child development, classroom management, professional skills and coaching. During these six weeks, in-person classes are held Monday through Thursday.

During the school year, you’ll teach full time under a North Carolina Residency License. You’ll continue your training through weekly in-person classes every Thursday afternoon and online coursework each week, focused on your specific teaching license.

In the spring semester, you’ll complete your edTPA portfolio, which is a collection of work that demonstrates your teaching skills.

The goal of the program is to recruit, prepare, and support a talented workforce of teachers who are ready to create thriving classrooms and help students succeed.

The program is guided by core values: belief in all students, determination to reach goals, and the ability to inspire change. These values are reflected in student engagement, relationship building, emotional well-being, self-care and a genuine love for the work.