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GCS Alternative Certification Track Graduates New Class
| Thursday, July 26th, 2012 |
Guilford County Schools (GCS) will graduate its newest class from the district’s Alternative Certification Track (ACT) program, which earns them a North Carolina Standard Professional I licensure to teach in the state.
With various backgrounds ranging from advertising to architecture to photography, the 23 individuals have gravitated toward the teaching profession, bringing with them a wealth of real-world experience and applications they share with students.
The graduation celebrates their accomplishments and will feature guest speaker Dr. June Atkinson, State Superintendent of the N.C. Department of Education.
With the licensure obtained through GCS ACT, a teacher is able to teach throughout North Carolina, but the district’s goal is to retain highly qualified teachers. GCS ACT was the first program in the state to offer lateral entry teachers an in-house teacher preparation program that leads to full licensure. The 18 month-long program is offered at a low cost with on-site classes.
Each of the GCS ACT graduates holds hands-on skills and years of experience in the workplace, a benefit to students who are now competing in a global economy.
Brooke Sumner, an English teacher at High Point Central, worked in advertising before heeding the advice of others who told her to become a teacher. “I have always been able to connect to kids, especially teenagers,” she said. “I chose English because no matter what career you choose, you have to be able to write well.”
While his photography business was a success, Eric Velarde says that the teaching profession was a calling. “I’ve always been around kids through coaching and volunteering, so teaching really chose me,” he said. Velarde, a recent college graduate who majored in biology, easily transitioned to teaching science at The Middle College at Bennett.
In addition to the intense coursework, GCS ACT prepares its participants to be successful in the classroom by providing coaching and mentoring.
Both Sumner and Velarde were attracted to the affordable, streamlined program. “Everything we learn is pertinent to teaching and we are really fortunate to have a program that values lateral entry teachers,” said Velarde. |
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