Gardner-Webb College of Education Hosts Open House, Registration Events for New Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Child Education

Two Separate Saturday Sessions Offered March 29 and April 5 at Charlotte Campus Center

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb College of Education will host two opportunities for teacher candidates to learn more, apply, and register for its new fully-online bachelor’s program in Exceptional Children Education (ECE) that begins this summer. The open house, one-stop sessions will be offered on March 29 and April 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the GWU Charlotte Campus Center, 8030 Arrowridge Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. Registration is suggested.

Each session will start with a group presentation followed by one-on-one planning sessions. Prospective candidates will learn about the study plan, clinical requirements, student teaching options, and licensure examinations. Then, they will have the opportunity to complete their application and registration process to begin classes.

“The GWU EC program incorporates the Science of Reading, art, digital learning, and assessments as its core curriculum aligned with the N.C. teaching, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium, Exceptional Children, and digital standards,” noted College of Education Dean and Professor Dr. Prince H. Bull. “Also, the program prepares candidates for dual licensure in Elementary Education and EC generalist.” 

This new degree program will help meet the critical need for EC educators in North Carolina. A recent report by Emily Walkenhorst, education reporter at WRAL News in Raleigh, N.C., detailed the “persistent special education teacher shortages” that North Carolina has experienced for decades. In her research, Walkenhorst noted, “About 1,200 special education teacher positions were vacant or filled by unqualified staff in the fall of 2023, according to the latest available state data. That’s more than three times the number of vacancies five years before that. In 2018, 356 special education teacher positions were vacant or filled by unqualified staff, meaning they don’t have a permanent or residency license to teach special education.”

Gardner-Webb’s bachelor’s program will also equip Resident Licensed (RL) teachers (candidates with non-educational degrees who have been hired as teachers of record) to pursue licensure in exceptional child/special education. In addition, the EC Generalist license title will be offered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction upon completion of the program.

Gardner-Webb College of Education is consistently ranked in the top three colleges in North Carolina to have its candidates obtain licensure. The program offers several benefits for students, such as academic advisors who are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and grants for Teacher Assistants. Teacher candidates also have access to one-on-one clinical mentors, and instruction and support on Pearson and Praxis. The degree can be completed in five to seven semesters, depending on previous credits and credit hour load.

For more information about the ECE, EC Generalist or RL licensure, contact Bull at [email protected]; (704) 406-4402; or Amy Lawson at [email protected], (704) 406-4624.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.