GCS Alternative Certification Track (GCS-ACT)

Guilford County Schools Alternative Certification Track (GCS-ACT) is one option you have for obtaining licensure to teach in the state of North Carolina. GCS-ACT offers residency license candidates a 12 to 18 month-long, locally customized licensure and support program as an alternative to a university affiliated program. 

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:

1. Teachers demonstrate leadership

2. Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students

3. Teachers know the content they teach

4. Teachers facilitate learning for their students

5. 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.  

To view Brooke Sumner GCS-ACT Alum named 2018-19 GCS Teacher of the Year, click here.

To view the Greensboro News & Record article about our program, click here.