Harnett County Schools Signs Agreement with WGU North Carolina

LILLINGTON, N.C.– Harnett County Schools has signed a partnership agreement with WGU North Carolina, an affiliate of online nonprofit Western Governors University (WGU), to help Teacher Assistants (TAs) advance their careers by earning bachelor’s degrees and teacher certifications. Harnett County Schools TAs who enroll in one of WGU North Carolina’s teacher-preparation programs will receive up to $4,800 in tuition credit (at $800 per six-month term for up to six terms) after any Pell Grants have been exhausted. 

WGU’s Teachers College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Tuition is around $3,250 per six-month term for most undergraduate degree programs.

Additionally, all Harnett County Schools employees are eligible to apply for WGU Institutional Partner Scholarships valued at $2,000 ($500 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms). 

“There is no better way to recruit teachers than within our own ranks,” said Harnett County Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron L. Fleming. “Our Teacher Assistants already have the calling to be in our classrooms, and I am excited that they will be able to gain a degree and the credentials to teach. I appreciate WGU allowing us to offer this opportunity to our HCS team members.”

“Grow-your-own initiatives like this one are so important for helping keep the teacher pipeline full of great educators,” said WGU North Carolina Chancellor Catherine Truitt. “WGU North Carolina is excited to help Harnett County Schools prepare their highly motivated TAs to become licensed teachers.” 

Designed to meet the needs of adult learners, WGU’s competency-based learning model allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and experience to move quickly through material they already know, so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Students complete their programs by studying with schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. 

For more information about WGU North Carolina, visit nc.wgu.edu. 

About Harnett County Schools 

Harnett County Schools’ teachers and staff are first class and strive to provide the best instruction and welcoming schools for our students and families. We constantly make data-based decisions in order to move our school district to the top in the state. Harnett County Schools include three primary schools, 13 elementary schools, six middle schools, and five high schools. For more information, visit www.harnett.k12.nc.us.