Providing more licensed teachers for the North Carolina public schools is one of UNC Asheville’s strategic goals for the next five years and a goal of the UNC system through its UNC Tomorrow initiative, specifically in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. The Department of Extension and Distance Education offers lateral entry programs, teacher effectiveness training and specialized courses for teachers to keep current in their areas, such as those currently offered online for Earth Science and Astronomy teachers. (These are listed below and under “online courses.”)

• The Lateral Entry Initiative  is a series of four (4) courses offered to help lateral entry teachers meet required competencies for a NC Teaching certificate. Certification is awarded through the Regional Alternative Licensing Center (RALC). The courses include: Teaching Reading in the Content Area, Learning Theory, Educational Psychology, Methods and Materials of Teaching.

• Effective Teacher Training/Substitute Teacher Training  is a series of classes that is highly recommended for those interested in substitute teaching in the area school systems. It is currently required for employment in Asheville City and Buncombe County schools and recommended by other area school systems. The class is approved for three (3) Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
• Specialized classes for teachers in various disciplines.