Overview
Guilford County Schools Alternative Certification Track (GCS-ACT) is one of three options you have for obtaining licensure to teach in the state of North Carolina. GCS-ACT offers lateral entry candidates an 12 month-long, locally customized licensure and support program as an alternative to a university affiliated program or Regional Alternative Licensure Center (RALC) program of study. GCS-ACT is designed around core North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards and supports the guiding mission of the North Carolina State Board of Education that NC public schools will be led by 21st Century professionals:
- Teachers demonstrate leadership
- Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students
- Teachers know the content they teach
- Teachers facilitate learning for their students
- Teachers reflect on their practice
How It Works
In an effort to encourage more lateral entry candidates to teach, the General Assembly of North Carolina’s Senate Bill 1115 grants Local Educational Agencies (school districts) the right to offer an approved program of study to certify lateral entry candidates. Successful completion of the GCS-ACT program of study results in obtaining a full NC SP1 license to teach in North Carolina. If you ever decide to teach outside of North Carolina, some states may accept this clear North Carolina license while others may require that you take additional coursework.
To view the GCS-ACT brochure, click here.
