Office of Teacher Education

PATH Fellows (TA)

Program Description

The Professional Academic Training Highway (PATH) Fellows Program is a partnership between Fayetteville State University and participating service area public schools.  The program is designed to facilitate teacher assistants satisfying the requirements for an undergraduate degree and meeting the North Carolina licensure requirements for teachers.

The program began in the fall of 1997 as a service and research project with three service area local education agencies.  The success of the initial program provided a catalyst for expansion.

Program Components

• Must have three (3) years of successful experience as a teacher assistant
• Be currently employed as a teacher assistant
• Must have less than a baccalaureate degree
• Must meet University admission requirements
• Must satisfy requirements for admission to teacher education
• Expect to be reassigned for teacher internship (11 weeks)

Program Support Services

• Courses available evening and on-line
• Information sessions for only teacher assistants
• All students advised by Program Coordinator
• Regularly scheduled PRAXIS I tutoring sessions

Program Benefits

• Early Field Experience performed at work-site
• Condensed teacher internship schedule (11 weeks versus 15 weeks)
• Designated Financial Assistance available
• Teacher Assistant experience credited toward beginning teacher salary

Program Phases

Phase I

• Admission to Fayetteville State University
• Completion of EDUC 211-Laboratory Experience in Area Schools
• Completion of PRAXIS I (Reading, Writing, Math)
• Declaration of major
• Verification of Teacher Assistant experience (Submission of Form E to Office of Teacher ducation)

Phase II

• Admission to Teacher Education
• Enrollment in methods classes
• Completion of program requirements

Phase III

• Admission to and completion of Student Teaching
• Completion of licensure paperwork