Grant expands access to teacher licensure, graduate education
The East Carolina University College of Education will expand access to teacher licensure and graduate education through the Kenan Residency to Master’s Fellows (R2M) program with support of a $500,000 grant from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust.
The R2M program is an accelerated, cohort-based pathway for residency teachers to earn their teacher licensure and a master’s degree while teaching full-time. Residency is an alternative pathway to becoming an educator, allowing individuals to work as teacher while taking classes to obtain an official, permanent teaching license. Fellows will benefit from supported professional growth with financial assistance throughout the program, mentorship and leadership development.
Fellows will receive up to $8,500 in tuition support to become licensed in elementary education; middle grades or high school English, math, science or social studies; special education or business and information technologies education.
College of Education graduates celebrate during spring commencement. (Photo by Steven Mantilla)
“We’re deeply grateful to the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust for its investment in the Residency to Master’s Fellows program,” said Dr. André Green, dean of the College of Education. “We’re committed to supporting licensed active teachers who are ready to complete a master’s program, and the Kenan Trust grant will significantly further our ability to provide this pathway.”
The mission of the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, a New York perpetual trust based in Chapel Hill, is to empower human potential through education and whole community investment. The trust’s grantmaking is generally centered in Florida, New York, North Carolina and Virginia.
Nearly half of new teachers in North Carolina enter the field through residency or emergency licensure pathways. This program seeks to address potential challenges in teacher retention and preparation in alternative licensure.
“The residency to master’s program opens a meaningful pathway for teachers in high-needs districts to grow professionally while remaining rooted in the communities where they serve,” said Dr. Holly Fales, associate dean for academic programs and educator preparation in the College of Education. “Beyond obtaining licensure, this program makes advanced teacher preparation and leadership development an attainable next step for beginning teachers. Our hope is that this investment leads to sustained teacher leaders who remain in their districts long term, making a lasting impact on the schools and students who need them most.”
The R2M program was inspired by other programs at the college, including the Maynard Scholars Program, Pirate Leadership Academy, Noyce Scholars and NC Teaching Fellows.
The program is structured as a four-year, sequential model. Students will spend their first two years completing the graduate certificate in teacher licensure, with select coursework from the certificate applying toward the Master of Arts in Education as they transition into the graduate degree program in their third year.
The program is accepting applications until June 15. Eligible candidates must be employed in a rural district (with priority given to the 43 Latham Clinical Schools Network districts), be eligible for ECU residency licensure programs and commit to completing both the graduate certificate and master’s degree requirements.
While the R2M program is new, the college has a successful history of assisting future educators through residency.
“East Carolina University supports a large and diverse population of residency candidates through a coordinated process that begins at recruitment and continues through program completion and teacher licensure,” said Dr. Nicole Tripp, lead coordinator of clinical experiences and alternative licensure. “This intake process is seamlessly connected to advising, instructional coursework and supports for licensure, with candidates consistently highlighting the value of this coordinated support model throughout their experience in the program.”
Melissa Sykes, a middle grades social studies teacher, participated in the residency program to achieve licensure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she made the decision to switch careers due to the growing need for educators and began ECU’s residency program during her second year in the classroom.
“One of the most valuable aspects of the program was its flexibility,” she said. “It allowed me to continue working full time while also being present for my family, all while successfully completing my coursework. The structure made it possible to balance my responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.”
For more information and to apply, visit the R2M website.