"The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. It's like home. I can tell that the professors and other faculty really care."
Jasmine Wilson
North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship covers most expenses at WCU
One of the wonderful things about Western is that it is a tremendous deal for your money. A student can live, learn, and eat on campus for around $10,000 (give or take) per year. Although the Teaching Fellows Scholarship does not totally cover these expenses, the $6,500 each year ($26,000 over four years) goes a long way in helping to cover these expenses. The dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions also provides each Teaching Fellow student with an extra $4,000 that can be used on things such as purchasing a computer, taking a trip to Europe, or helping with additional college expenses.
We Strive to Meet Your Individual Needs
Our University, along with our Teaching Fellows Program, is smaller than others across the state. Therefore you will find smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction. 
Freshman Trip to Europe
Each freshman class has the opportunity to travel to Europe. This trip is unique to our program, and we are proud that the University supports our endeavors by offering a special $1,000 bonus scholarship to help offset the cost of travel. Teaching Fellows have visited England, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Vatican City, and Monaco in previous years. Learn more about the trip to Europe.
Personal Guidance and Support
The staff at Western Carolina University is dedicated to meeting the needs of the students in the program. Jacqueline Smith, program director, and our program assistant help each Teaching Fellow in ways unimaginable. They aren't second or third mothers, but they do keep a watchful eye on the progress of each student, and are more than willing to help in any way possible. Our program is proud to offer such personal guidance and support. 
Be Part of a Close-Knit Group
You'll see Teaching Fellows all over campus—and many times they won't be alone. Western's Teaching Fellows enjoy a very close bond with one another. Larger institutions can't always offer such a tightly bound group. Often, friendships exist across different class levels—freshmen develop quick friendships with upperclassmen during our Freshmen/Sophomore Fall Retreat at the beginning of each year; sophomores serve as mentors for the freshman class and ensure that all newcomers feel welcomed into the program.
Opportunity to live in Reynolds Hall
Reynolds Hall (pictured at right) rests on top of a literally breath-taking hill on campus, and the hike up to the top is rather symbolic. Reynolds is the home residence of students in the Honors College. Many WCU Teaching Fellows are active participants in the Honors College, and often already reside at Reynolds. However, even those who are not enrolled in the Honors College may still do so as a benefit of being a Teaching Fellow. WCU Teaching Fellows are the only group offered such an invitation on campus. A new Reynolds residence hall is scheduled to begin construction in the near future. This new residence hall will be located in the center of campus and will be a highlight of the program with its new conference center and living quarters. Read more about the new residence hall.
Leadership Opportunities Abound
NC Teaching Fellows have been dubbed "the Best and the Brightest," and Western's Teaching Fellows do not fall short. Many of the Teaching Fellows in our program serve in a variety of impressive leadership positions on campus. You will see some of the Teaching Fellow students on the Student Government Senate while others serve on the Chancellor's Distinguished Award Committee. Many Fellows are involved in a variety of leadership activities on campus, as well as within the Teaching Fellows Program itself.
These are just a few benefits to being a Teaching Fellow at Western but don’t just take our word for it—find out what our Teaching Fellows have to say and watch short videos to get an idea of what life is like here in Cullowhee! Check out the wealth of seminars and activities available to you, too.
Questions? Please contact us.