The North Carolina State Board of Education approved an alternative certification program Thursday for those interested in teaching high school science, math or technology.

The North Carolina New Schools Project’s STEM Teacher Education Program (STEP) will offer on-the-job training in classroom management and instruction techniques to mid-career professionals.

Caldwell Early College in Hudson, Cross Creek Early College in Fayetteville, Hillside New Tech High School in Durham and the Wayne School of Engineering in Goldsboro will host learning labs for up to four teacher candidates who will be paired with experienced teachers in a year-long apprenticeship program.  

The STEP program will add locations in 2013 and 2014 until 12 school are turning out a total of 48 STEM teachers per year. 

Candidates for the tuition-free program will be drawn from recent college graduates and mid-career professionals in STEM-related fields. Interested applicants can find materials online at http://newschoolsproject.org. The application deadline is March 5.