Contact: Ms. Cassandra Himes / chimes1@charlotte.edu / 704-687-8727
Next Stop: Teach UCPS
Through an innovative partnership with UNC Charlotte, Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is proud to announce Next Stop: Teach UCPS, a teacher pipeline program for employees and former UCPS graduates. This new strategy will help UCPS to grow its own teachers and provide a roadmap that removes financial barriers for pursuing a teaching license.
Online Programs
Highlighted Graduate Certificates at UNC Charlotte
Contact: Ms. Ashley Langan / alangan1@charlotte.edu / 704-687-8189
Contact: Ms. Ashley Langan / alangan1@charlotte.edu / 704-687-8189
Why Choose UCPS?
Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is the sixth-largest public school system in North Carolina. They serve approximately 41,500 students at 53 schools and have approximately 5,000 staff members.
UCPS ranked number two in the state on overall proficiency at 69.5 percent. The North Carolina overall proficiency rate is 54.2 percent.
The 2024 Cohort Graduation Rate (CGR) is 93.3 percent, the highest CGR under the current accountability model. The graduation rate for 2022-2023 was 92.3 percent.
Requirements
Residency Pathway Requirements
- Participants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from any regionally accredited college or university.
- Participants must be current UCPS Classified Instructional Employees or former UCPS Graduates.
- Residency specializations for middle grades and 9-12 include math, science, exceptional children (EC), and career technical education (CTE).
- Participants must apply, get accepted, and enroll in a teaching certification at UNC Charlotte for middle grades and 9-12 include math, science, K-12 EC, and 6-12 CTE.
- Participant eligibility for the program requires passing grades in all courses.
- Participants must teach while completing the certification or become a certified classroom teacher within two years of beginning the program.
- UCPS covers the cost of participants’ tuition. The participant is responsible for fees and other expenses for completing the degree.
- Upon completion of all coursework and an earned bachelor’s degree, participants are committed to working in Union County Public Schools as a teacher for a minimum of three years in a Title I school or a minimum of four years in other schools.
Getting Started at UNC Charlotte
Join our virtual drop-in sessions on Mondays from 3-4pm and Wednesdays from 11:30am – 12:30pm to inquire about the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and receive application support.
Get your unofficial transcript reviewed before you apply! If you are interested in having your transcripts reviewed to determine whether you should apply, contact:
- Cassandra Himes (chimes1@charlotte.edu) for Career Technical Education (CTE) and Middle or Secondary math and science.
- Ashley Langan (alangan1@charlotte.edu) for Special Education.
Looking for an application fee waiver? Request one here.
Admission Requirements & Deadlines
Review the admission requirements and deadlines to apply. This page contains all the information you need to complete the Graduate School application including GPA forgiveness, residency licensure, and frequently asked questions.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Admission: August 9
- Spring Admission: December 1
- Summer I Admission: May 15
- Summer II Admission: June 15
Applying for the Residency
- The application window for the Fall 2025 cohort is now closed.
- Check back in January 2026 for information about the Fall 2026 cohort and application process.
Supporting Your Financial Journey
Here is a breakdown of how we support your journey.
Navigating the financial aspects of higher education can be challenging, but UNC Charlotte will support you in every step of the way. We designed our comprehensive financial resources to help you make informed decisions, manage your expenses, and achieve your academic goals without unnecessary stress.
For those selected to participate in this program, UCPS will cover the cost of tuition each semester. The student remains responsible for fees, books, and other expenses.
Student Financial Responsibility
We provide resources and guidance on managing your financial commitments, including understanding your rights and obligations as a student. At UNC Charlotte, we are committed to helping you make sound financial decisions and providing the support you need to succeed academically.
Graduate School Tuition & Fees
Understanding the cost of attending UNC Charlotte is crucial for planning your education. Our detailed breakdown of Graduate School tuition and fees provides clarity on what you can expect.
Student Accounts & Billing
Managing your student account is made simple with our comprehensive billing system. We provide detailed information on account statements, due dates, and any charges or credits applied. Stay informed about your billing status and track your financial activities with ease.
Payment Options
We offer a variety of payment options to accommodate different financial situations. Whether you prefer to pay in full, set up a payment plan, or explore other methods, we have flexible solutions to help you manage your tuition and fees conveniently.