WCU teacher support program wins $30,000 grant

A Western Carolina University initiative to support beginning teachers in Western North Carolina systems has received a $30,000 grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

The grant was awarded to Janice Holt, executive director of teacher recruitment, advising and career support at Western Carolina University, for a project titled “Support and Professional Development for the Enhancement of the 21st Century Professional Standards.”

As part of the initiative, first-year teachers will have access to virtual learning studios housing standards-based discussion boards, modules and instructional resources. In addition, seniors in WCU’s Department of Elementary and Middle Grades Education will be invited to join the program during their yearlong internship in the public schools and may continue to receive support as they move into their first year in the profession.

Lori Unruh, WCU coordinator of the psychology graduate program, and co-principal investigator, serves as the evaluator for the project.

For more information, contact Holt at (828)227-7027 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .