GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Wayne Community College (WCC) is proud to announce its participation in a groundbreaking partnership with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) aimed at addressing North Carolina’s critical teacher shortage. As one of six community colleges involved, WCC will help pilot the Secondary Teacher Education Partnership Initiative (STEP-IN) starting January 2026, offering a new, accessible pathway for students—especially those in rural areas—to pursue careers as high school educators.
The STEP-IN program is designed to streamline the journey from community college to university, providing students with a focused curriculum and flexible learning options that accommodate distance education. This initiative specifically targets students interested in history and social studies education at the secondary level.
Bridging the Gap for Rural Students
“STEP-IN not only advances students toward their academic and professional goals but also contributes to addressing the critical teacher shortage in our state with well-prepared, passionate educators,” said Laura Buddin, Dean of Arts & Sciences at WCC. “Most importantly, it empowers them to make a lasting impact—by inspiring and shaping the next generation, they become leaders and changemakers within their communities.”
The program creates a seamless transfer pathway for students who earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree at WCC or other partner community colleges. Upon transfer, students will enroll at UNCW with courses, fieldwork, and internships available in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, allowing participants to learn and gain experience without relocating. This flexibility is crucial for those living in remote areas, who often face barriers accessing traditional campus-based education.
A Collaborative Curriculum Tailored for Future Educators
The Department of History within UNCW’s College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts, alongside the Secondary Program at UNCW’s Watson College of Education, have developed a specialized course of study and timeline. This program prepares students for licensure as high school social studies teachers, focusing on history education. UNCW Community College Collaborative.
Students in the STEP-IN initiative will also benefit from early advising and personalized academic planning to ensure they meet all prerequisites for transfer and teacher certification. Additionally, the program includes engagement opportunities with UNCW faculty through digital platforms and live information sessions, fostering connection and mentorship even before students make the university transition.
Denise Ousley, coordinator of UNCW’s secondary education program, highlighted the significance of accessibility: “Our secondary education program has been very successful in preparing strong high school teachers, but geography is often a barrier for students in rural communities. With STEP-IN, distance learning options will enable students to complete courses and internships in their home districts and teach in their own communities.”
Expanding Opportunities for Future Educators
The six participating community colleges are all part of the UNCW Community College Collaborative (UNCW/3C), an initiative designed to build strong leadership and clear pathways for students pursuing higher education and careers in North Carolina’s community college system.
Denise Henning, director of UNCW/3C, expressed optimism about the program’s future. “We are thrilled to collaborate with six strong community college partners to provide enhanced pathways for future high school teachers, and we hope to eventually expand STEP-IN to provide pathways for students who aspire to teach other subjects, including English, math, and science at the high school level here in North Carolina.”
Students interested in learning more about the STEP-IN program and how to apply are encouraged to contact WCC’s College Transfer Advising Center Director Peyton Dawson at 919-739-6755 or [email protected].
