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Licensure

Teach For America acts as a liasion for  East Carolina University (our licensure partner). We encourage you to each out directly to ECU's Alternative Licensure Office with questions specific to their licensure programs.

 

Table of Contents

Licensure Timeline for all corps members

Licensure Pathway Options (download Comparison Chart and FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Information for TFA-ENC Alumni

 

Licensure Timeline for All Corps Members

 

Before you start teaching:

Pass all required Praxis or Pearson tests.  

 

During Summer Residency: 

  1. Begin taking steps to establish your status as a resident of North Carolina so that you qualify for in-state tuition rates.  See the FAQs below for more information.

  2. During your Summer training, you will learn about your licensure options and select your preferred pathway.  You have until November 1 of your first year to make a final decision.

 

Fall of your first year:

Your district or charter school licensure specialist will help you obtain your lateral entry provisional license.  See the FAQs below for more information about provisional licenses.

 

By November 1 of your first year:

Confirm that you intend to pursue the pathway you chose over the summer or inform the ENC Licensure team if you have changed your mind and wish to pursue a different pathway.

 

Winter/Spring of your first year:

Apply for admission to ECU if you are choosing the coursework or MAED pathway.  Click on the links for specific information about admission requirements.

 

Summer/Fall/Spring of your second year:

If you have chosen to take coursework at ECU, complete coursework as outlined by your selected pathway.  Apply for your professional teacher license after you complete your coursework.  See this page for detailed instructions.

If you have chosen the 3 year pathway, make plans to continue teaching for your 3rd year in a NC public school.

 

Spring of your third year (if you have chosen 3 year pathway):

Apply to upgrade your lateral entry license to a continuing license in the Spring.  Please note that your lateral license will expire in June of your 3rd year of teaching, so you must upgrade your license to ensure you hold a valid teacher's license.  View this page to learn how to upgrade your license.

 

 

Licensure Pathway Options

Corps members in Eastern North Carolina have three options for obtaining teacher licensure: (1) Coursework-only; (2) Master's degree program in Middle Grades Education; or (3) Committing to teach in NC for 3 years.  For more information, download this  summary sheet and FAQs or click on the links for each pathway.

 

1. Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure through East Carolina University 

  • Online, Six credit certification coursework

  • Coursework focuses on knowledge and skills for effective teaching building on TFA summer institute and professional development sessions

  • Leads to an initial teaching license in NC (no degree)

  • Time frame: Fall and spring semesters during the second year of teaching

 

2. MAED in Middle Grades Education through East Carolina University

  • 12 online classes (36 credits), includes certification coursework

  • Coursework focuses on advancing knowledge on teaching pedagogy and skills with a focus on literacy and building teacher leadership through coursework and an internship determined by the student and approved by the advisor

  • Leads to an initial teaching license and a Master of Education in Middle Grades Education

  • Time frame: Summer after first year; Fall, Spring, and Summer after your second year

 

3. Commit to teach for 3 years in North Carolina

  • Pass content exam(s) (e.g., Praxis, Pearson)

  • Complete all TFA requirements and remain in good standing

  • Teach for three years in a North Carolina public school

  • Request Form V and certificate of completion from TFA

  • Submit verification of completion of three years by TFA & school

  • Leads to a continuing teaching license after all requirements are met

  • Time frame: 2 year TFA commitment + 3rd year in a NC district or charter school

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why do I need to do coursework or a teaching license if I do not plan on teaching after  my two year commitment with Teach For America?

A teaching license or progress toward obtaining a license is a requirement of the State of North Carolina.  Corps members who are unlicensed are considered lateral entry teachers in NC and are subject to the same requirements as other lateral entry teachers.  Being a member of TFA gives you a grace period of one year before starting coursework.  Unlike other lateral entry teachers, you do not take coursework during your first year.

 

Can I pursue another type of Master’s Degree from ECU or another school?

Yes.  However, if you opt to pursue another program through ECU or another school, you will be no longer be working within the TFA partnership and will be responsible for fulfilling lateral entry coursework requirements in both your first and second year.

 

What is the deadline for this decision?

We will ask you to identify your preferred pathway this summer. You have until November 1 to change your mind.  After November 1, we will notify your district of your chosen pathway.  

 

Can I change my mind?

You have until November 1 to opt into one of the licensure pathways.  We will notify your district of your pathways at that time.  

 

Can I earn my license through the Johns Hopkins Masters degree program?

Johns Hopkins offers a Master of Education program for corps members and alumni that is fully online.  The program lasts two years, and corps members must be teaching while in the program. Because this program is offered by an out-of-state univeristy, it does not fulfill North Carolina state requirements of lateral entry teachers in NC.  The JHU master's does not lead to a NC license.  Corps members must take coursework through ECU or commit to teach for 3 years in NC in order to obtain a license.  For more information, please visit the JHU website.

 

What is a Lateral Entry license?             

As a lateral entry teacher in North Carolina, you will be issued a lateral entry license that is valid for 3 years, with the expectation that you are actively working toward your professional certification while teaching.  This includes passing the required Praxis II or Pearson tests, taking coursework, and meeting the expectations of your school and district.  Your lateral entry license is valid only in North Carolina.  You must satisfy all of the requirements to upgrade (or “clear”) your lateral entry license in order to continue teaching beyond your 3rd year.

 

What kind of teacher’s license will I earn?

  • If you complete coursework at ECU: You will receive the standard teaching license for all initially licensed teachers in North Carolina, called the Initial license (formerly called Standard Professional I).  It will be issued in your specific teaching area.  For more information about NC teachers’ licenses, visit NCDPI Licensure.

  • If you choose the three-year option:  You will earn a Continuing license (formerly called Standard Professional II), which is the license granted to NC teachers who have 3 or more years of experience. It is valid in NC for 5 years.  The 3 year route is considered a valid certification path by the state of NC but may not be recognized by other states. If you have plans to teach outside of NC in the future, it is advisable to call that state’s department of education and find out the requirements for license reciprocity (e.g., if they require specific coursework or completion of an accredited teacher preparation program).  For more information on how you will apply for this license, please see the State Board 3 year route timeline.

 

Will my license be recognized in another state?

Reciprocity requirements vary state by state.  If you are planning to teaching in a specific state in the future, we strongly suggest that you reach out to that state’s education department to learn about their licensing requirements before you make your decision about your licensure path.

 

What is the tuition for the Post-baccalaureate and MAED options?

Please view this Summary Sheet for an estimate of the costs of each pathway.  

 

How can I qualify for NC residency for tuition purposes?

Residency applications, including military waivers, must be submitted along with all supporting documentation by 5pm on the fifth class day for which in-state residency for tuition purpose is being sought.  We recommend that you send an email to UGResidency@ecu.edu well before this deadline.  You can find information about the requirements and process for applying for residency here. 

 

Overview of Requirements (Source: ECU website)

  • The residence of a person is presumed to be that of the parent(s) or legal guardian. In order for a person to be considered separate or apart from their parents, they must have the capacity of establishing a legal residence (domicile) in North Carolina on their own.

  • A person must be physically present in the state of NC for 12-months prior to the beginning of the term for which they are applying. The clock for the 12-months does not start until there is evidence of residential acts.

  • A person must intend to make North Carolina their permanent home indefinitely and not only for the purpose of attending college.

Below are some questions that ECU considers when deciding if you qualify for NC residency for tuition purposes (for the complete list, visit this page):

  • Length/Intent of North Carolina Residency

    • How long has the student been in the state of North Carolina?

    • Have there been sufficient actions initiated by the student to become a resident of North Carolina?

  • Financial Considerations

    • Does the student claim to be self-supporting? If so, is the student employed in NC?

    • In which state did the student file taxes?

    • Is the student a dependent on someone else's taxes?

    • In which state do the student's parent(s) or legal guardian reside?

    • What are all the sources of financial support for the student?

  • To assist in your request to claim North Carolina as your state of residency for tuition purposes, you should consider submitting the following with your application:

    • A letter explaining your rationale for your claim to residency for in-state tuition purposes

    • A copy of your North Carolina drivers license, voter registration, and vehicle registration

    • Evidence of employment and employment earnings (paystubs, W2, letter from employer)

    • Tax information from student, parent (s) or legal guardian

    • All financial support from other parties, including parents and spouse

    • Evidence of ownership of property (vehicle or home)

    • A budget detailing student expenses (tuition, rent, car payment, etc.)

 

Information for ENC Alumni

 

I have completed my third year of teaching.  How do I request a Form V?

You can request a Form V at the end of your 3rd year of teaching.  Please use this link to make the request.

 

How do I include my certification on my resume?

Click here for some examples.

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