Watson College of Education

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

Tracy Linderholm, 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 Instructional practices, provide a variety of understandings related to the field of education, encourage application of generalizations learned in practical experience, enhance collaborative efforts with public and private organizations and 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 a teacher license have opportunities to complete Residency Licensure Programs or Certificates that lead to licensure. 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.

The Watson College of Education also offers a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Learning and Development; a Master of Science in Instructional Technology; and a doctoral program, Ed.D. in educational leadership, with specializations in higher educations, curriculum and instruction, educational administrations, and community college leadership. Graduate certificate programs are available in online teaching and learning, college teaching and learning, community college leadership, esports performance management, evaluation and organizational learning, and mentoring and coaching.

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.

For undergraduate teacher education programs, North Carolina state law requires all teacher candidates to meet identified criteria and be admitted to an approved teacher education program. Candidates must be admitted to the Watson College of Education prior to the start of the teacher internship semester. To be admitted to WCE students must apply to WCE and meeet the following requirements:

Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 for undergraduates and a 3.0 for out of area students.
Passing scores on Praxis Core or exemption from the test with ACT or SAT score. The student Success Center website provdes information about the Praxis, exemption scores, and how to register to take the Praxis.

In lieu of admissions deadlines throughout the academic year, the students will apply once they have met the admissions requirements. Programs may have additional admmissions requirements. Student should contact the program for additional information regarding program level admissions requirements.

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, or by reviewing programs of study at www.uncw.edu/ed/advising.

Computer Requirement

Studentsin 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 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 educational professions. As a result, skills in oral and written communications are stressed in courses throughout the programs of study leading and are evaluated throughout the program of study. The culminating review and demonstration of oral language for teacher preparation programs 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 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 2021-2022:

Praxis Specialty Area Tests: Watson College of Education pass rate = 78%