ARP: Accelerated Release Pathway
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Accelerated Release Pathway: Long-Term Substitute Policy
The Accelerated Release Pathway (ARP) allows Teacher Candidates to step into a paid long-term substitute teaching position during the Clinical Practice semester. This pathway provides meaningful real-world leadership experience in the classroom while ensuring candidates meet all program expectations and licensure requirements. ARP reflects a commitment to fostering collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships between the EPP and the USTEC partner school districts.
Key Points
- ARP is a traditional teacher-preparation pathway within UNCA’s Department of Education.
- Candidates remain enrolled in the education licensure program and meet all required academic and licensure requirements. Refer to the Recommendation for Licensure – Decision Point 3 on page 38 of the Candidate Handbook.
- Clinical practice supervision and support from the University Supervisor and assigned Clinical Educator continues uninterrupted.
- Candidates are eligible for ARP after a successful midterm CPAST and 2nd observation by the University Supervisor, and a March edTPA submission.
Eligibility Requirements
| Eligibility Requirement | Evidences |
| Maintains good academic standing | 3.0 GPA in education coursework |
| Demonstrates proficiency in professionalism, content, and pedagogy throughout the licensure program | Field Placement Evaluations |
| Meets all professional disposition expectations throughout the licensure program | Educator Disposition Assessment (EDA) |
| Demonstrates readiness and growth in pedagogy and dispositions during the Professional Year | Pre-CPAST (430/43x) and CPAST (Clinical Practice Midterm) |
| Demonstrates strong collaboration and professionalism through effective communication, teamwork, and a commitment to supporting students, colleagues, and the broader school community. | Recommendation Letter |
| Exemplifies leadership qualities, including initiative, professionalism, and the ability to contribute to school and classroom communities positively. | Recommendation Letter |
Application Process
- Completed Accelerated Release Pathway Application App State Sample
- Recommendation submitted by program faculty/program director App State Sample
- Signed Accelerated Release Pathway Agreement Make an agreement
Approval Conditions
- Offer of a long-term substitute position must be initiated by the host school’s Principal.
- Department of Education representative/s must meet with the Principal and Clinical Educator to clarify and agree upon the terms, expectations, and supervision structure.
- Position Requirements
- Full-time Substitute in a Licensed Teacher position
- Aligns with the Teacher Candidate’s licensure area
- At the school assigned for the Professional Year
- Clinical practice supervision, mentoring, and support from the University Supervisor and assigned Clinical Educator must continue uninterruptedThe
- Teacher Candidate must receive approval from
- Department of Education Assessment Committee
- Office of Field Experiences
- District/HR Office/School
- Long-term substitute positions must meet district employment policies and be approved by the school district’s human resources department.
Unsuccessful Internship Performance
- If the Teacher Candidate is unsuccessful during the paid internship, they will be provided the opportunity to complete a traditional student teaching experience to fulfill program and licensure requirements either during the Clinical Practice semester or a future semester.
- Refer to the policy on Removal or Withdrawal of a Candidate from the Professional Year Field Placement or Clinical Practice Based on Unsatisfactory Performance on page 36 of the Candidate Handbook.
- Licensure program decisions will be made by the Assessment Committee and approved by the Chair of the Education Department.
- During the Teacher Candidate’s paid internship, all hiring, rehiring, and other employment decisions are at the discretion of the host school district.
Contact: Field Placement Coordinator