Watson College of Education

(http://www.uncw.edu/ed/)

Van. O. Dempsey, III, dean
Angela M. Housand, associate dean, academic affairs, programs support, and student success
Candace Thompson, interim associate dean, education, professional learning, and scholarship

The Donald R. Watson College of Education is a community of scholars dedicated to teaching, learning, creating, and extending knowledge through research. The faculty strives to model effective teaching practices, provide a variety of understandings related to the field of education, encourage application of generalizations learned in field experience sites, enhance collaborative efforts with public and private school systems, and contribute to the knowledge base by engaging in theoretical and applied research. The mission is to develop knowledgeable and proficient education professionals dedicated to improving schools and society. We address this mission by:

Providing academically rigorous programs;
Producing and using meaningful scholarship;
Partnering with schools, organizations and diverse communities;
Advancing the profession.

The Watson College of Education offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degrees in education of young children, elementary education, middle grades education, and special education, and programs leading to secondary (9-12) and special subjects (K-12) teacher licensure. Students who have baccalaureate degrees and want to add teacher licensure must complete the same requirements as degree-seeking students. Add-on licensure in the area of Teaching English as a second language is available for undergraduate students who have earned a North Carolina initial license. In addition, graduate programs in gifted education, leadership, policy, and advocacy in early childhood; elementary education; middle grades education; language and literacy education; secondary education; curriculum/instruction supervision; school administration; higher education; and instructional technology are available. A doctoral program, Ed.D. in educational leadership, is also offered. Graduate certificate programs are available in online teaching and learning, and college teaching and learning.

Students wishing to pursue teacher preparation programs must be formally admitted to the Watson College of Education and to the Teacher Education Program. Students in all programs and licensure areas should consult their advisors and the Watson College website for admission procedures/guidelines specific to their program area and for a list of courses requiring Watson College admissions. A grade of “C-” or better is required in educations courses, as well as all courses in the interdisciplinary specialty and the professional semester. Students may repeat courses in which they earn a grade lower than a “C-” only with the permission of the dean of the Watson College of Education. Watson College requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.70 for the internship semester. Requirements for admission are:

Completion of the university requirements in English, mathematics and a science laboratory course with a grade of “C-” or better in each course.
Completion of specified introductory educational foundations coursework (as determined by program area) with a grade of “C-” or better.
Completion of 45 or more college credit hours with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale on work attempted at UNCW. Transfer students must earn a 2.70 on a minimum of 9 hours completed at UNCW.
Passing scores on teacher education entry tests (or exemption) specified and mandated by the Board of Education of the State of North Carolina.

Teacher Preparation degree programs are designed to meet North Carolina State Board of Education guidelines for teacher licensure and includes courses in university studies, professional education and collateral areas, and a content specialization. All programs offered by the Watson College of Education are accredited by the appropriate state, regional, and national accrediting agencies. Students may obtain specific information on recommended course sequences leading to timely graduation by contacting the appropriate academic advisor, the associate dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, or by reviewing programs of study at www.uncw.edu/ed/advising.

Computer Requirement

Students in licensure programs in the Watson College of Education are expected to utilize appropriate technologies in their courses and practica. Therefore, students should anticipate that basic computer skills will be required and recognize that computer and information technologies are infused throughout courses in the various program areas. A grade of “C-” or better is required in EDN 303 - Instructional Technology for all teacher licensure students except those in secondary education who must complete SEC 205 with a grade of “C-” or better and those in music who take a technology course in their major.

Oral Communication Requirement

Oral and written communications is considered to be particularly important for entry into the teaching profession. As a result, skills in oral and written communications are stressed in courses throughout the programs of study leading to teacher licensure and are evaluated during the practicum semester. The culminating review and demonstration of oral language is addressed in the following courses depending upon the student’s licensure area: EDN 409 (allied programs), EDN 411 (elementary and middle grades), EDN 465 (education of young children program), SEC 431 (secondary education) or SED 411 (special education).

Note: Licensure requirements change and program requirements must be adjusted to accommodate new mandated competencies and guidelines. Students must meet the Teacher Education Program requirements in place at the time of their eligibility for admission to the Watson College of Education. Similarly, they must meet the licensure requirements in effect, including mastery of Essential and Advanced Technology standards, at the time their applications are submitted to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Students are advised to check with their advisors or the associate dean’s office to stay informed of programmatic changes.

Title II Test Scores Reporting Data

In accordance with federal Title II requirements, the Watson College of Education reports the following Praxis test scores for student teachers in 2019-2020:

Praxis Specialty Area Tests: Watson College of Education pass rate = 78%; all institutions in North Carolina pass rate = 79%