Want to become a teacher in the great state of North Carolina? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in North Carolina.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of North Carolina also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. Call or email the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) for information on course requirements for licensure.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction publishes a list of approved teacher education programs in North Carolina.  

 Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

To become a licensed teacher in North Carolina, you have to pass the foundational basic skill exams and subject area competency assessments for all desired areas of instruction. If you possess a teaching license from another U.S. state, you can to earn your North Carolina teaching certification via interstate reciprocity. To find out more about earning your North Carolina teaching credential, visit the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Licensure Section homepage. The state of North Carolina issues a Professional Educator’s Initial License to individuals with 0–2 years of experience. The Professional Educator’s Continuing License is for educators with at least three years of experience.

Step 3: Submit a North Carolina Teaching Credential Application

If you have completed your educational obligations, experiential component, and passed the necessary examinations, you are ready to send your application for teacher licensure in North Carolina. Click here to access the Application for a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License.  Complete the application and attach the required documents. Send all of the above information to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Licensure Section, 6365 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6365.