Students immerse themselves in college life on the beautiful coastal campus of UNCW. While acclimating to college life, students take general university studies courses that prepare them to be admitted to the Watson College of Education.

Students take the first foundational courses in education. These courses include field experiences in public schools. From the very first education course, students have the opportunity to work and learn the profession of teaching in Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) to High School classrooms. Regular visits to the Pre-K to Grade 12 classrooms allows students to get a sense for the grade they feel most drawn to teach and deepen their commitment to the important work of becoming a teacher.

Students enter advanced level coursework in education. In these courses students develop the skills, knowledge and dispositions to be effective and knowledgable teachers. Immersed in advanced level courses, students take on more responsibility in the Pre-K to grade 12 classroom experiences. Additionally, Education Lab experiences within the Watson College of Education allow students to work with children to provide one-to-one instruction. Our outstanding faculty and staff are with you every step of the way, guiding you toward excellence.

The fourth year is the pinnacle of the program. Students complete advanced level education coursework and become immersed in a full-time internship. Gradually, each student will “take over” a veteran teacher’s classroom, transitioning from student to teacher. During the internship, students have the support of an experienced teacher and professor. As part of the internship experience, students document their journey and reflect on the experience. At the end of the year, students see how far they have come and look forward to having their own classroom.

We believe experience is fundamental to learning the art of teaching. We offer hands-on learning experiences from the moment a student indicates an interest in becoming a teacher. 

These opportunities include working with our Lab School, engaging in community-based, collaborative learning, tutoring youth in our Education Lab, and developing skills in the Maker Space. These learning experiences run parallel to the field experiences in public schools in which WCE students plan and teach lessons, lead small group work, engage in formative assessments and eventually transition into teaching full-time. Every step of the way you have the support of expert faculty and veteran teachers. 

Every learner is unique, so each course aims to equip future teachers with the knowledge and skills to serve all kinds of children, families and communities. As a result, our graduates establish a respectful educational environment by adapting instruction to respond to individual student needs and their community contexts. 

Early coursework within the programs explicitly focuses on assessing students’ strengths and needs and adjusting instruction accordingly. Subsequent coursework and field experience requires students to apply their learning while working with learners from a variety of backgrounds. We make sure students experience a wide range of school placements that include different socioeconomic backgrounds, languages, cultures and abilities.

Watson College has strong ties with communities in Southeastern North Carolina. Through community partnerships we immerse our students to high quality teaching, mentoring and coaching.

• An Education Lab coach provides feedback on lesson plans and working with parents. 
• Experienced teachers work with you throughout your program and develop formal coaching plans during internship.
• Expert faculty and university supervisors are former teachers. They know what you need.
• Group internship placements create a network of support. 
• Regular workshops are offered through our Professional Development System (PDS) office.
• After graduation, you can participate in the NC New Teacher Support Program, Beginning Teacher Conference Days and National Board Certification Support provided by PDS.

Excellence Through Partnerships

Many Watson students are hired before graduation. Such high demand is the result of ongoing collaboration and communication with schools and districts in our region and the quality of our graduates.

The Professional Development System (PDS) has established collegial working relationships with twelve school districts (including one Department of Defense) and over 2,000 partnership teachers.

Excellence Through Reflection

Programs in the Watson College actively engage in an ongoing cycle of assessment for continuous improvement. Multiple groups provide direction to program evaluation, academic assessment and evaluative efforts. Through the combined efforts of leaders, faculty, staff and partners, Watson College of Education ensures excellence.