How to Become a Teacher in North Carolina

With numerous professional development opportunities, North Carolina continues to lead the nation in initiatives to improve teacher quality. Within the 115 public school systems, North Carolina leads the nation with the highest number of national board certified teachers. In addition, the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching and the North Carolina Teacher Academy are national models for teacher training.

For those aspiring to become a teacher, and those currently holding valid teacher certification from states other than North Carolina, excellent teaching opportunities await in the Old North State.

How to become a teacher in North Carolina - traditional route for residents

All incoming teachers will be granted the Standard Professional I Educator’s License. The requirement to earn this teacher certification is completion of a state-approved teacher preparation course. The Standard Professional I Educator’s License is valid for three years, and may be renewed.

Standard Professional 2 Educator’s Licenses are available for those who have three years or more teaching experience, are considered highly qualified, and who have passed the Praxis testing requirements.

How to become a teacher in NC - alternative route for residents

Applicants who wish to pursue a teaching credential in a non-traditional format have one comprehensive option in North Carolina, the Lateral Entry Teacher Program:

• Teachers who have completed a teacher preparation program in another state
• Hold a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited school
• Have at least one year full-time teaching experience

Lateral Entry teachers earn their Standard Professional I Certificate, and are encouraged to apply to areas of need within the education field.

How to become a teacher in NC - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Out-of-state applicants must:

• Have earned a bachelor degree in a field related to subject area
• Hold a valid, current teaching credential
• Have passed the Praxis I and Praxis II test

How do I become a teacher in North Carolina - necessary exams for residents

The Praxis I (basic skills) and the Praxis II (subject-specific) are the standard exam format for most states, North Carolina included. Students interested in earning a Standard Professional II certificate must pass both the Praxis I and II tests.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in North Carolina?

Any bachelor degree from a regionally-accredited institution is acceptable in North Carolina. However, most students who plan on entering the teaching profession major in Education or the specific subject they will be teaching. Strong skill in a desired subject area is crucial to success, so secondary teaching students are strongly encouraged to pursue a degree in an area they plan on teaching.

What is a teacher preparation program in North Carolina?

Teacher preparation courses in North Carolina combine traditional classroom work with field studies and student teaching. Graduates come to the profession with strong skills in every area of education, and have had significant experiences in classrooms that have built their practical teaching skills. Most courses combine:

• Classroom Theory
• Teaching Fundamentals
• Lesson Planning
• Student Teaching
• Classroom Observations

How do I renew my teacher certification in North Carolina?

There are several requirements to renew teacher certification in North Carolina, including:

• Completion of 10 semester hours
• Teaching experience: 1 credit for each year taught
• Master’s degree

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in NC?

The following websites have additional information about how to become a teacher in North Carolina:

• North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards Commission

  The North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards Commission provides extensive information on teaching in North Carolina, including teachers' feedback regarding working conditions.

• North Carolina Public Schools

  This government site outlines essential areas of recruiting and benefits for teachers in North Carolina.