Caldwell County Schools board approves plan to create local educator preparation program

The Caldwell County Board of Education on Feb. 10 approved creation of an Educational Preparation Program, or EPP, intended to provide local sequencing and access to coursework for candidates seeking initial teacher licensure.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Phipps told the board the EPP is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree but do not have a professional teaching certificate. The local program would allow Caldwell County Schools to purchase course content once, track candidate progress, and support employees through residency-style licensure at no cost to district staff; candidates from other districts could participate at a reduced fee.

Dr. Phipps said the district has struggled at times to coordinate course sequencing and tracking with external colleges and universities and that a locally managed EPP would give the system more control over pacing and completion. He added the program requires approval from the North Carolina state board of education and that the district would return to the board with further steps and any required purchases.

Board members asked for a brief public explanation of whom the program serves; Dr. Phipps described it as for four-year-degree holders who need licensure coursework and said the district would pursue grants and partner revenue to offset costs. The board approved the motion without recorded opposition.

The vote authorizes district staff to begin designing the EPP and pursue necessary state approvals; it does not itself adopt final program content or commit recurring local funding.

Board members said the EPP is anticipated to support recruitment and retention of teachers and to reduce out-of-pocket costs for employees pursuing certification.

The board will receive future reports as the district completes state-level applications and any content purchases required to operate the program.