GCS Only District In State With Alternative Certification Track

Approved Program Of Study Certifies Lateral Entry Candidates

Contact: Chad Campbell (336) 370-8356
Created: 6/27/2008 7:34:51 AM

Interested in teaching, but don’t have a license? Guilford County Schools Alternative Certification Track (GCS ACT) is the only program in the state to offer lateral entry candidates an 18 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 is enthusiastic about being the only school district in North Carolina that is authorized to deliver an in-house teacher preparation program that leads to licensure,” said Dr. Amy Holcombe, executive director of talent development. “The GCS ACT is aligned to the new North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards and is designed to provide lateral entry teachers with the core set of skills they need to be successful in helping our students to learn and achieve.”

How does this new program work? 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, or 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 N.C. Standard Professional I license to teach in North Carolina. If candidates ever decide to teach outside of the state, some states may accept this clear NC license while others may require additional coursework.

From a candidate perspective, there are several benefits of this innovative approach to supporting and retaining highly qualified lateral entry teachers. Lateral Entry teachers who choose to become licensed through GCS ACT will enjoy many benefits including the program’s low cost, on-site location, focused length of only 18 months, co-teaching delivery model using master GCS teachers and GTCC professors, locally contextualized content and focus on core skills and standards.

Space is limited and the program starts July 28; therefore, interested candidates should contact Dr. Holcombe at 336-335-3294 or via e-mail at holcoma@gcsnc.com.

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.