PAL (Piedmont Alternative Licensure) Program   

What is the Piedmont Alternative Licensure Program? 

The PAL Program began in 1998 as a collaborative project between Greensboro College and Bennett College. PAL provides (1) the Professional Education sequence needed for teacher licensure and (2) a support network for lateral entry candidates.  

PAL Program is an accelerated program based on the alternative licensure program at East Carolina University, which has successfully assisted lateral entry teachers since 1993.  

Philosophically, the PAL Program is based upon three essential ideas about teaching and learning: 

First, a commitment to providing qualified, enthusiastic, confident, and dedicated teachers for K-12 children in North Carolina’s classrooms; 

Second, a recognition of life experiences of adults who seek to become teachers; 

Third, the belief that the teaching profession rests upon specialized knowledge and skills and that this knowledge and these skills require instruction, guidance, reflection, and practice in order to be adequately developed. 

Thus, we have developed a program that addresses a critical need, values partnership, and maintains the integrity of the profession. 

The PAL Program for Middle Grades, Secondary and K-12 Teachers:  

This 12 month, 6 course, 17 semester hour sequence is designed exclusively and especially for beginning lateral entry teachers already teaching in middle or secondary schools.  

What licenses are available through PAL?   

• middle grades science, social studies, mathematics, and communication skills  
• secondary biology, English, mathematics, social studies  
• K-12 art, music, physical education, Spanish, and theatre. 

What comprises the PAL sequence?

Six courses (17 credit hours), structured sequentially in a twelve-month developmental experience of two major components:

• Five-course, five-week, intensive preservice training experience in June and July

- Institution of School (3 hrs)*

- Literacy in the Content Area (3 hrs)*

- Nature of the Learner (3 hrs)*

- Classroom Management/Planning and Instruction (3 hrs)*

- Teaching Children with Special Needs in the Regular Classroom (3 hrs)*

*Meets RALC competency requirement

• A semester-long clinical experience in the candidate’s classroom

- Clinical Practicum (2 hrs)

Also required in addition to PAL (NCDPI requirement):

• Fall semester: Pedagogy course in the student’s specific content area (e.g., K-12 Art, 9-12 English, etc.) 

PAL participants form a close-knit cadre during the intensive summer programs.  During the following teaching year, participants have access to a professional liaison. 

Am I eligible? 

An eligible candidate:

• is employed as a school teacher in a NC public or SACS accredited institution.
• has earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and has completed a major or concentration in an area that matches employment or intended employment.
• has at least a 2.5 GPA on all college/university work, or has met NCDPI lateral entry employment requirements.
• takes and satisfies the PRAXIS I criteria in reading, writing, and mathematics if required for lateral entry employment or if GPA is below 2.5. 

Are other courses required for licensure? 

Possibly.  The six PAL courses cover the “professional studies.”  Depending upon the candidate’s college degree, some additional coursework in the content area of teaching may be necessary to fulfill state competencies (e.g., middle grade social studies licensure candidates must take a cultural geography class; secondary mathematics candidates need a class in geometry, etc.).  

How does the PAL candidate obtain a license?

A PAL candidate is eligible for licensure recommendation after she/he has:  

• been admitted to the Greensboro College Teacher Education Program as a PAL candidate.
• completed successfully the sequential PAL Program courses.
• taken and satisfied the Specialty Area PRAXIS exams.
• satisfied the student teaching and technology requirements through employment. 

How much does the PAL Program cost?

• PAL is currently offered at a reduced rate of $177 per credit hour.
• Additional courses needed beyond the PAL Program experiences will be assessed at the current Professional & Graduate Studies rate of $300 per credit hour.
• Individual payment plans may be arranged through the Greensboro College Business Office.  Financial Aid may also be available through the Greensboro College Financial Aid Office.      

How do I apply? 

Call David Feagins or the Professional & Graduate Studies office for an application.   

You may also download the PAL application. 

For further information about the PAL Program, contact: