SANFORD - Are you interested in becoming a teacher?

If so, beginning this fall, Central Carolina Community College will begin to offer the Teacher Preparation degrees.

Students can earn an Associate in Science - Teacher Preparation degree or Associate in Arts - Teacher Preparation degree in only two years, and then transfer to a four-year institution and enter as a junior. These degrees allow students to pursue a teaching degree in the K-12 field of education. With a teacher shortage in North Carolina, this is a great pathway for individuals who would like to become a teacher.

The Associate in Science - Teacher Preparation degree focuses more on math and science course work.

The Associate in Arts - Teacher Preparation degree focuses preparation on English, humanities, history, social sciences and language.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman said: "We believe that growing our own teachers is important in providing more affordable opportunities for our local residents, and we support efforts that allow our teachers to finish their education with minimal to no debt. The new Associate Degrees are an important part of these efforts, which will allow us to better capitalize on the potential talent that exists right here at home."

"We always aim to provide pathways for students to achieve their dreams! These new degrees will help create a smooth transfer experience for graduates to become the new generation of teachers here in Lee, Chatham, and Harnett counties," said Dr. Brian S. Merritt, CCCC Vice President, Learning & Workforce Development/Chief Academic Officer.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to work with local school systems and students to 'Grow our own teachers.' This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to obtain a degree in the education field but want to stay close to home," said Ginger Harris Bartholomew, CCCC Education Department Chair. "With this opportunity, high school students taking advantage of the Promise program could be ready to enter a university as a junior within a year after graduation."

Central Carolina Community College's Education Programs provide top-quality training for careers in the field of education. These rewarding careers are for those who enjoy working with others, while nurturing, guiding, and modeling the future of young children and teens.

To learn more about the programs - including the Teacher Preparation degrees -- offered in the CCCC Education Department, visit www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/education-department. Or, contact Ginger Harris Bartholomew, CCCC Education Department Chair, by email at gharr082@cccc.edu.

If you are interested in registering for the CCCC Teacher Preparation degree program, visit www.cccc.edu/apply-register or call CCCC Student Services at 919-718-7300.