New NC State, Wake schools program tries to boost teacher pipeline

June 25, 2026 - 21:07

A new partnership between North Carolina State University and the Wake County school system is trying to solve a stubborn problem: finding enough qualified teachers for the classroom. The program is designed to help instructional assistants already working in schools earn their teaching licenses, turning support staff into lead teachers.

School officials say the need is urgent. Qualified teaching candidates have become harder to find in recent years, and the pipeline of new educators has not kept up with demand. Instructional assistants, who already work closely with students and teachers, represent a ready pool of talent. Many have years of experience in the classroom but lack the formal credentials to take over as the teacher of record.

The new initiative will provide a clear path for these assistants to earn a bachelor's degree and teaching license while continuing to work. Participants will take classes through NC State and receive on-the-job training in Wake County schools. The goal is to remove common barriers like cost and time that often prevent support staff from pursuing a teaching career.

Local education leaders hope the program will not only fill vacancies but also improve teacher diversity. Many instructional assistants come from the same communities as the students they serve. By helping them move into teaching roles, the district can build a workforce that better reflects its student body. The first cohort of participants is expected to begin coursework later this year.