What is NCQuest?

NC Quest is a joint-sponsored program between the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Watson School of Education/College of Arts and Sciences, and coalition partner school districts in Southeastern North Carolina.

NC Quest is designed to help fulfill the mission of the federal “No Child Left Behind” legislation by assisting middle school math and science teachers in increasing their knowledge in both content and instructional practice, and by increasing the number of skilled mentor teachers to promote teacher development and retention.

NC Quest is organized into two curricula targeting teachers and mentor teachers:

• Strand 1 Curriculum:
  Professional Development for Middle School Mathematics and Science Teachers, is designed to achieve the following goals:
  • Encourage, train and support those teaching math and science “out of area” in order to ensure that they meet the highly qualified teacher criteria and achieve licensure.
  • Focus on effective instructional strategies to meet the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in middle grades to help improve learning in each of the NC curriculum goals and national standards for mathematics and science.
  • Use technology applications to enhance the teaching of mathematics and science.
  • Create structures for dissemination of information on effective instructional practices for math and science education.
  
  
• Strand 2 Curriculum: (Not available this semester)
  Professional Development for Mentor Teachers, is designed to achieve the following goals:
  • Promote retention of highly qualified new teachers by providing resources and support through mentoring and continued learning opportunities.
  • Design professional development that links what teachers are learning to student needs and student performance data.
  • Develop and implement technological solutions to enhance communication, self-assessment and opportunities for mentoring among mentors and mentees.

As a participant in NC Quest, you will receive these benefits:

• Tuition assistance for coursework specified in your individual plan of study developed by UNCW faculty
• Free teaching/mentoring resources, books and classroom materials
• A $600 stipend for teachers and mentors
• Involvement in special professional development activities and conferences

NCQuest Coalition Member Sites

Sampson County Schools
http://www.sampson.k12.nc.us/