Credit for Prior Learning Creates a Faster Path for Teachers

Posted 9/23/2026

UNC Charlotte’s Cato College of Education and Cabarrus County Schools are creating a faster, more affordable path to graduate education by turning professional learning into academic credit. Through the partnership, 25 teachers are applying their prior learning toward UNC Charlotte’s Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching.

Categories: News

UNC Charlotte’s Cato College of Education and Cabarrus County Schools are using credit for prior learning to make graduate education faster and more affordable for educators. Through the partnership, 25 teachers earned academic credit for an intensive faculty-led summer institute, allowing them to complete the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching with three additional courses instead of four. With Cabarrus County Schools covering tuition and fees, the initiative prepares experienced teachers for instructional coaching roles while demonstrating how UNC Charlotte can use prior professional learning to reduce barriers, strengthen workforce partnerships and create more efficient pathways to graduate credentials.