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Human Resources » Interested in becoming a teacher?

Interested in becoming a teacher?

Interested in becoming a teacher?


If you have a bachelor’s degree, you are eligible to start teaching tomorrow!


Please reach out to Betsy Nance at [email protected] or (336)242-5542 to discuss options for you.  Please be prepared to share your resume, official transcripts, and personal preferences on which grade levels/areas you are interested in working.


For those currently involved in career technical positions, a bachelor’s degree is not necessary!


Your experience may qualify you for the New Teacher institute:  a 2 year program provided by the state at a much lower cost.  



Certified Positions:

Includes:  teachers, counselors, administration and other licensed staff.

Certified applicants must hold or be eligible to hold a valid North Carolina license issued by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.



Licensure Pathways:


NC Instate Graduates License:

Completion of an approved education program through a college/university and have successfully completed all coursework and mandated testing.  The university must recommend for the NC license.  


Out of State Applicants:

Reciprocal licensing plans allow educators from outside NC to establish eligibility for licensing in this state.  Reciprocity applies to the extent that out-of-state education programs from regionally accredited colleges and universities are equivalent to North Carolina’s standards for approved education programs.

-Out of state applicants should apply directly with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) using the online licensure site:

 https://vo.licensure.ncpublicschools.gov/datamart/loginNCDPI.do




Alternative Licensure Pathways:


Emergency License (EL):

The Emergency License is defined as a one-year, non-renewable license.  It is requested by the local board of education for an individual who meets the following requirements:

  • Must be employed by a local school district.
  • Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university.
  • Has 18 hours of coursework relevant to the requested licensure area, but has not completed a recognized educator preparation program (EPP). (Elementary Education and Special Education requires 18 semester hours in the subjects of Math, Science, Social Studies, and English).
  • Not enrolled in an Education Preparation Program (EPP).
  • Must meet the requirements to qualify for a Residency License within this school year.  

Residency License (RL):

The Residency License (replaced Lateral Entry) is defined as a one-year license, with the option to renew twice, within a 3-year period.  The RL must be requested by the local board of education for an individual who meets the following requirements:

  • Must be employed by a local school district.
  • Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university.
  • Has 24 hours of coursework relevant to the requested licensure area or passed the NCSBE licensure area exam(s).
  • Enrolled in an approved Educator’s Preparation Program (EPP) and provide certification of enrollment to the local school board of education.


Career-Technical Education (CTE):

Career-Technical Education (CTE) licensure pathway is based on full-time documented work experience and a high school diploma or degree depending on the licensure area.

  • Licensure completion may be through a NC university approved teacher education program, or NCDPI may outline specific requirements.  
  • CTE license completion is required within 3 school years including Praxis II test for specific areas.

CTE Restricted License requires that teaching candidates have related work experience for the CTE program area, as well as the related degree.  CTE Restricted License allows candidates to obtain an Initial Professional Educator license based primarily on the candidate’s work experience.

  • An Associate’s degree or high school diploma is the minimum education requirement in some CTE licensure areas as long as the candidate meets the required work experience for the CTE Restricted route.  



Are you interested in becoming a teacher and need to know where to begin?


TeachNC.org is a great resource to help you get started in your journey:

  • 1-on-1 advising calls to answer all your questions.
  • Help in choosing the right Educator Preparation Program  (EPP)
  • How-to-Guides on eligibility, testing and financial aid
  • Interactive application checklists to help you stay on track in applying
  • Reimbursements that will cover your application and enrollment fees.
  • Scholarship of $1,000!

Learn More at:  Go Teach