Become a Teacher

Students learn best through the active construction of knowledge. Active learning occurs when physical education teachers use a variety of teaching styles and strategies, as diverse student populations have different learning styles. Learners in physical education should be involved in applying their knowledge to problem-solving situations, and they should be able to build connections between previous knowledge, life experiences and new knowledge. Physical education is unique in that it provides concepts in each of the physical, intellectual, and social domains of learning. As physical education teachers, our major role is to create an active learning environment to encourage the use of developmentally appropriate skills and fitness/activity for a lifetime. The Physical Education Teacher Education Program at East Carolina University provides many opportunities for teacher candidates to practice their teaching in "real life" school settings throughout the program, in order to prepare the best physical education teachers for the 21st Century.

Kathy Davis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Physical
154 Minges
252-328-5266
DavisKa@ecu.edu

I am a college graduate or a mid-career professional with a four-year degree interested in a career in teaching.

If you are a recent graduate or a mid-career professional holding a four-year degree from a regionally accredited institution and are now interested pursuing teacher licensure, we hope you will consider East Carolina University given our reputation as a leader in alternative licensure programming.

The following information will assist you in learning more about alternative licensure at ECU, alternative licensure partners, ECU admissions, and financial aid.

Alternative Licensure at ECU

East Carolina University offers a wide array of degree programs in teacher education leading to initial licensure.

Requirements for Alternative Licensure at ECU

Licensure Only allows an individual to complete a plan of study leading to initial licensure prior to teaching.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows an individual in one year to complete a graduate program and initial licensure prior to teaching.

Individual Lateral Entry allows an individual to complete a plan of study leading to initial licensure while teaching in a NC public or charter school.

NCTEACH is a program lateral entry opportunity in which an individual may complete coursework leading to initial licensure while teaching.

Alternative Licensure Partners

State Department of Public Instruction

North Carolina Model Teacher Education Consortium

Regional Alternative Licensing Centers

ECU Admissions

Undergraduate Office of Admissions

Post Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Application

Financial Resources

How do I apply for financial aid?

Here is a matrix which compares the eligibility requirements and service obligations of some of the teacher education specific financial assistance opportunities.

Find additional financial aid resources by visiting the "Paying for College" section at the College Foundation of North Carolina.