North Carolina Teacher Certification Program Online

Becoming a teacher in North Carolina involves several key steps: earning a bachelor’s degree, completing a teacher preparation program (such as Moreland University’s nine-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program), passing certification exams (which usually includes Praxis exams for your specific teaching area), and applying for your North Carolina teaching license. Once certified, you can start looking for teaching jobs within the state.

The requirements for North Carolina teaching certification may differ between subject areas and grade levels, or from certification requirements mandated by other states. If you ever have questions about the certification process, Moreland University admissions representatives will gladly assist you. Get in touch with us at 1 (844) 283-2246 or email admissions@moreland.edu.

A teaching license is mandatory for teaching in North Carolina public schools. However, it is not always required for teaching in nonpublic institutions, such as private schools. Charter schools in North Carolina are also not strictly required to have all teachers licensed, but at least 50 percent of their teaching staff must be licensed.

Even though private and charter schools may not require a teaching license, holding one can make you a more competitive candidate. Most of these schools have their own licensure requirements.

To become a teacher in North Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.
3. Pass the required exams, , which include the Praxis or Pearson foundational content knowledge tests dependent on the grade level and subject area you wish to teach.
4. Pay the fee for licensing. Fees range from $30-$100 depending on your license.

Please note that requirements and procedures may change over time, so it’s best to consult the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) for the latest information.

For further questions about the North Carolina teaching certification process, Moreland University admissions representatives are ready to help. Call 1 (844) 283-2246 or email admissions@moreland.edu.

Standard North Carolina teaching licenses are valid for five years before renewal is required. When it’s time to renew, the NCDPI will automatically initiate the renewal application process for you. However, you will need to provide evidence of professional development hours.

To renew your license, you must complete 80 professional development hours, or 8 credit hours with possible specific topic requirements based on your certification type and grade level.

By fulfilling these steps and meeting renewal requirements, you can maintain your teaching certification and continue teaching in North Carolina. Always check with the NCDPI for the most up-to-date information and guidance on certification renewal.

The timeline to become a certified teacher in North Carolina varies based on factors such as your education and the type of certification you are seeking.

Both the traditional and alternative certification pathways require a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years of full-time study to earn (or longer if enrolled part-time).

If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into teaching, or if you are currently teaching and need official certification, you must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs generally take one to two years to complete, including coursework and field experience, although some programs, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW program, can be completed in just 9 months.

Before certification, you must also pass the required exams and undergo a background check. The preparation and exam process time varies, and background checks can take up to a couple of months.

Overall, without a bachelor’s degree, the process will likely take around four years. With a bachelor’s degree, it can take anywhere from one to two and a half years, depending on the teacher preparation program you choose.

Teacher salaries in North Carolina depend on grade level, subject matter, and district. The National Education Association reports an average teacher salary of $55,000 per year in North Carolina, with starting salaries at around $37,000.

Higher salaries may be offered in districts with a high demand for teachers, particularly in specialized subjects or areas with a higher cost of living than the state average.

When pursuing your teaching license, considering high-demand subject areas can help you decide on your specialization or confirm your existing choice. In elementary schools, core subjects and special education are highly sought after. For those aiming to teach in North Carolina high schools, career and technical education, as well as special education, are in high demand. Additionally, high school-level math and science teachers are particularly needed.

To apply for a standard teaching license, you must fulfill all requirements, including passing the necessary exams.
However, you can receive an Initial Professional License, which allows you to attempt the required exams during your first year of teaching and pass them within three years, provided all other licensure criteria are met.

There are numerous reasons why Moreland University is an excellent choice for both current and aspiring teachers in North Carolina.

First, Moreland University is accredited, ensuring that our programs meet high standards of quality and are recognized by employers and state education agencies. The University has a strong reputation within North Carolina, across the United States, and internationally for producing highly qualified educators, which enhances your credibility in the field. Moreland University also offers a supportive online learning environment for current and aspiring North Carolina teachers. With monthly start dates, experienced faculty, and expert support throughout the certification process, Moreland University provides a flexible and effective pathway to obtain your teaching certification in North Carolina or advance your teaching career.

As an aspiring teacher in North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is a valuable resource for navigating the teacher certification process.

The NCDPI website offers detailed information on the steps to become a certified teacher, exam requirements, how to apply for a North Carolina teaching license, and more. You can also find information on educator preparation programs in North Carolina, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program, if you are pursuing an alternative pathway to certification.