New England College Prioritizes Solution to New Hampshire Educator Shortage
New programs allow school district staff to become licensed educators without leaving the workforce to pursue higher education.
New England College has launched two new teacher licensure programs to help staff in New Hampshire’s school districts become licensed educators without leaving the workforce to pursue a college degree. This program model, the first of its kind in the state, was created to address the ongoing teacher shortage in New Hampshire and support potential teacher candidates in the field.
School staff and paraeducators can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with K–6 licensure or a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education with ages 5–21 licensure. In both programs, school employees will possibly remain employed in their current positions and complete their fieldwork practicums in their current schools.
“These teacher licensure programs offer New Hampshire school employees, for the first time, the opportunity to pursue a college degree in education without leaving the workforce,” explained Patricia Corbett, EdD, Vice President of Academic Affairs at New England College. “By removing that barrier to higher education, more school professionals can pursue their goals and move into teaching positions.”
These bachelor’s degrees are delivered through synchronous online courses that fit busy professionals’ schedules, and they are made affordable through reduced tuition, financial aid and other types of assistance for those who qualify, as well as through the elimination of required textbooks. Additionally, these programs meet all requirements for professionals to be recommended for licensure, pair courses to maximize the learning potential and provide a more meaningful classroom experience and include access to all the College’s student support resources.
“New Hampshire needs more licensed educators, and I am proud that NEC developed a path to help meet that need,” stated Dr. Wayne F. Lesperance, Jr., President of New England College. “We have already heard from several districts around the state who support these teacher licensure programs and are encouraging their staff to apply. This is wonderful news for New Hampshire students.”
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