Outreach Alliances
Grants & Research
The Watson School of Education is very active in seeking and gaining financial support from external sources for research, professional development and innovations. Many of these awards are a result of collaborative partnerships with P-12 schools, agencies, professional organizations, and university-wide colleagues. From 2001- January 2006 over eight million dollars in external funding has been received by the Watson School. This total includes funding received by the Science and Math Education Center in 2004-2005(when it began to report to the Watson School). Check here to see details of awarded grants, contracts, and foundation support received since 2000. Visit the Grants & Research website >
Junior Seahawk Academy
The goal of the Junior Seahawk Academy is to motivate underrepresented students interests in learning by allowing them to engage in real-world, hands on, field experiences. We also seek to use technology, specifically Kidspiration, as a literacy integration tool, probeware as a tool to enhance science, InspireData and other math learning tools. Each student will engage in 20+ hours of academic enrichment in mathematics, science, and technology. The core curriculum has been developed by UNCW faculty in alignment with the North Carolina Middle School Mathematics and Science Standard Course of Study. Visit the Junior Seahawk Academy website >
Professional Development System
A University-School Partnership
One of the strongest and most comprehensive examples of university–school partnerships in the nation is the exemplary Watson School of Education Professional Development System Partnership. This 13-year collaborative has established collegial working relationships with ten school districts. The university recognized early that true systemic reform of teacher preparation would require honest and aggressive partnerships among schools of education, public schools and the general public.
Visit the PDS website >
Professional Experiences
Field experiences and internships play an integral role in Watson School of Education undergraduate, graduate, and licensure-only teacher education programs. Field experiences begin in introductory education courses, continue as a requirement of more advanced and intensive pre-internship methods courses, and culminate in a full-time practicum (internship). With the help of a collaborative partnership between the Watson School and its partnership school systems, field placements are coordinated by the Professional Experiences Team in conjunction with Professional Development System (PDS) Site Coordinators at each of the partnership schools. Visit the Professional Experiences website >
Teacher Cadet Program
The NC Teacher Cadet program is an innovative, honors curriculum designed for talented high school juniors and seniors who are considering teaching as a profession. The course is designed to provide a better understanding of the dynamics of education as well as to create interest in the field. Through the program, students will develop their knowledge of content, planning, and application, while also strengthening their interpersonal, academic and leadership skills in the classroom. This will include real experiences in preschool, elementary, middle and high school settings. Visit the Teacher Cadet Program website >
Technology Outreach
There are two Technology Liaison's that work at the Watson School of Education. They provide professional development opportunities for interns, partnership teachers, and administrator's. Visit the Technology Outreach website >