Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure 

East Carolina University 

Summary

• 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 (formerly called Standard Professional I) (no degree)

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

• Approximate cost: $940 in-state; $4100 out-of-state (2016 estimates; this amount is subject to change)

READ THIS FIRST: Timeline and application information for the Post-Baccalaureate program

Click here to download timeline and application information.

Post-Baccalaureate Licensure FAQs

Q: When will I take the courses?

A:  You will take two online courses during the fall of your second year of teaching.  Summer courses are not an option at this time.

Q: What is the tuition for the Post-Baccalaureate licensure coursework?

A: Tuition costs are determined by the NC General Assembly and are subject to change each year.  In 2016, the total cost of the licensure courses was approximately $940 for in-state tuition and $4100 for out-of-state tuition.

Q: Can I apply for financial aid for the Post-Baccalaureate teacher licensure coursework?

A:  No.  You must be enrolled at least half time – six hours each term for undergraduate programs like Teacher Licensure – to be eligible for financial aid.  Since you will be taking 5 semester hours, you are not eligible for financial aid.

Q: How do I use my Americorps stipend to pay for the licensure coursework tuition?

A: You must request a certification of Americorps funding a minimum of thirty days prior to the beginning of classes for each semester.  This will allow ECU to classify your account as “has made arrangements to pay” and place a “hold against drop” on your schedule.  This hold is automatically placed on your account from the cashier’s office when the Americorps request is approved by ECU financial aid office.

Your Americorps will be sent to ECU in two disbursements: one at the beginning of classes and one at the mid-point in the term.  Because the Americorps is sent in two installments, you should expect to receive cashier statements regarding a remaining balance in your account until ECU receives the second disbursement.  Your balance will be paid when ECU receives the second disbursement. 

Q: What are the requirements for this program?

A:  You must maintain a grade of B in the both courses and submit all assignments before the deadlines.  Be sure to pay attention to email messages from the Alternative Certification Office.

Q: 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 State Board-required tests (e.g., Praxis II or Pearson), completing university 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.

Q: What kind of professional teacher’s license will I earn?

You will receive the standard teaching license for all initially licensed teachers in North Carolina, called the initial license (formerly called theStandard Professional 1 license).  It will be issued in your specific teaching area.  For more information about NC teachers’ licenses, visit NCDPI Licensure.

Q: How is my teacher’s license issued?

A: The Alternative Certification office at ECU will work with your Local Education Agency (LEA), e.g., your district or charter school, to verify that ECU can clear your licensure area.  Once that is confirmed, Lori Cohens will work with you and your LEA through the licensure process.

NC DPI manages licensure paperwork via the Online Teacher Licensure system.  This system will allows you to create an account, submit your application, upload documents, and pay the fee. 

In the fall of your first year, your district licensure specialist will make arrangements for your Provisional/Lateral Entry license.  You may receive emails from the Online Licensure System with requests for information.  Be sure to read them carefully and complete any tasks that are requested in a timely fashion. 

Q: How can I qualify for NC residency for tuition purposes?

A: 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.)

Q: How do I set up email forwarding with my ECU email account once I am admitted and have an ECU email?

A: How to forward from Outlook 365

1. Log in on Outlook 365

2. Top Right corner click on the Setting icon

3. Click “options” on the very bottom

4. On the left side of the screen look under “Mail”

5. Then look under “Accounts”

6. Click on “Forwarding”

7. Click “Start forward” and type the email you want to forward to!

For questions regarding NC residency for tuition purposes, contact UGResidency@ecu.edu.

For general questions or concerns, contact:

ECU Contact: Lori Cohens (alternativelicensure@ecu.edu) or 252-328-2700