Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my licensure plan?
You will receive your plan of study at New Student Orientation if you are accepted into the program.
Can NC TEACH/NC State help me find a job?
No, legally, we cannot help you find a job. But, our program has established such a good reputation that counties often contact us when positions become available. Our past NC TEACHers also send us tips about job openings. We pass all of this information on to you!
Am I guaranteed a teaching position after I finish the program?
Most NC TEACHers find teaching positions for the Fall and/or Spring semesters while they are taking NC TEACH classes. A few wait until the following Fall to find teaching positions. There is no guarantee that you will find a job, but teachers who complete NC State's NC Teach program are received favorably in most school districts. Please note that Wake County Public Schools does not hire Lateral entry teachers for Social Studies or English.
How much does the program cost?
The estimated cost of the program is $2,600 for in-state residents and $5000 for out-of-state residents.
Do I have to take the Praxis II before I apply?
Spanish and French applicants MUST take the Praxis II before applying to NC TEACH, and submit scores with the application. Applicants for other subject areas do not need to take the Praxis II before applying to NC TEACH. All NC TEACHers must pass the Praxis II upon completion of the program.
What if I don't have a job for the Fall?
You can remain in the NC TEACH program even if you do not have a teaching position. However, if you have not obtained a teaching position by the end of the program, NC State will not be able to immediately recommend you for a license upon completion of the NC TEACH coursework. You then have two options to complete your licensure requirements: 1) If you find a teaching position for the following year, you can receive your license after completing a practicum course. 2) You can be scheduled for a semester of student teaching after finishing the NC TEACH coursework.
If I have to quit the program, can I be reinstated?
Each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Usually, you will have to re-apply. And if so, will I be given credit for the classes already taken? Yes, credit will be given for summer and fall classes that have already been taken.
Are these classes graduate or undergraduate level?
The classes are undergraduate level courses. They are listed as undergraduate distance education classes (even though they are face-to-face classes), which makes them much cheaper than traditional undergraduate or graduate courses.
Do these classes provide credits toward a degree?
No, these classes are specific to NC Teach and do not lead to a degree, but may be applied to certain degrees for credit.
What happens if I miss a class?
You are permitted no more than 2 absences in any course- no exceptions. For ECI 474 and ECI 476, you are permitted to miss no more than 1 Super Saturday during the entire year. If you miss class, you are responsible for contacting your lead teacher and obtaining the material that you missed. For Super Saturdays, a make-up assignment will be required.
Do I have to purchase any books?
There are three required texts for the program. If purchased new, the textbooks are about $150 (total); used for less than $100.
What areas of licensure are available at NC State?
Middle School and High School: Science, English, Social Studies, Math
K-12: French, Spanish
Of the students who went through the program last year, how many did not have jobs that started in the Fall?
As of May 2009, 21 out of 80 NC TEACHers did not have teaching positions. Some of these were voluntary (They were delaying because of personal reasons.). Also, several of the NC TEACHers were looking for teaching positions in specific schools and were waiting for positions to open. Most of our students do not have any trouble finding teaching positions, especially if they are willing to look in high-need counties other than Wake County (Wake County has a surplus of teacher applicants and therefore hires very few lateral entry teachers. Wake County does not hire Social Studies or English lateral entry teachers).
Do I have to take the Praxis II before I start teaching?
Not usually. With the lateral entry program, you have up to three years to take the Praxis II. However, if you do not have 24 semester hours of coursework in your content area, you will need to pass the PRAXIS II in advance in order to be eligible for a lateral entry license. Also, we recommend that Social Studies and English NC TEACHers try to take the PRAXIS II before they start looking for teaching positions. There is not a high need for Social Studies or English teachers and having passing scores on the PRAXIS II will make you a better candidate for hire.
Who teaches the courses?
Master teachers who are currently teaching in the public schools in Wake and other surrounding counties. Also, professors and instructors within the College of Education at NC State.
Am I considered an NC State student?
You are considered a Distance Education/Non-Degree Studies student and have limited access to NCSU resources. For details on the resources available to you, please visit the Distance Education web site.
Can I pay the tuition in installments?
You pay as you go and each semester you will receive a bill (through e-mail) that includes all costs for that particular semester (two courses per semester). For more information, please contact the Cashier's Office.
Will the school system help with the cost of obtaining licensure?
Check with your county. Most do. If you work in a high-need county, you can be sponsored by the North Carolina Model Teacher Education Consortium. For more information: click here.
Will I have my license when I finish this program?
Completing the NC TEACH program does not automatically get you a North Carolina teaching license. You will need to complete all of the following licensing requirements before NCSU can recommend you for a Standard A Professional License through DPI:
- Successful completion of the 6 NC TEACH education classes (18 hours total)
- Passing scores on the Praxis II
- Completion of all required content courses with a grade of "C" or better (a C- will not be accepted)
- One year of successful full time teaching (not substitute teaching) in a public or charter NC school (when you are hired, your school administrator will apply for your Provisional License)
Are all applicants admitted to the program?
We usually accept around half of all applicants to the NC TEACH program. We look for individuals that have very few content courses left to take and have a good grasp of the world of teaching.
Are classes held at NC State?
Summer, Fall, and Spring evening classes are held at the host site. For example, the Rocky Mount cohort will meet at the Gateway Technology Center in Rocky Mount for all of the evening classes. This way, most of your classes will be held in your area. The Super Saturday classes will be held at NC State University.
I just moved to North Carolina from Ohio, am I eligible for in-state tuition?
Usually, you must reside in North Carolina for a full year before you will be considered a resident (and change your drivers's license, etc.). However, once you have secured a teaching position, you will be eligible for in-state tuition. Out-of-State tuition will cost about $820 per class. If you get a job by the Fall, you will only have to pay out-of-state tuition for the two summer classes, the Fall class will drop to the in-state rate of $430. For more information: click here.
When filling out the NC Department of Public Instruction application, can I say that I'm applying for a licensed position?
Yes, you will be applying for a licensed position (you are eligible for a lateral entry license). However, you will only become a fully licensed teacher AFTER completion of the NC TEACH program. When you are accepted for a position, the county will recommend you for a lateral entry license. When you complete the NC TEACH program, we will clear your lateral entry license and you will have a Standard Professional I ("A"-level) license in your subject area.
How do I obtain my lateral entry license?
Most county offices will help you with the paperwork when you sign your contract. Some counties have people that specifically work with teachers for licensure. We will also hold workshops in your NC TEACH classes to help you understand the licensure procedure.
Where can I take my content courses?
We highly recommend that our NC TEACHers take their content courses through local community colleges rather than universities where cost and scheduling can be an issue. To take classes at Wake Tech, please e-mail Cynthia Boulus at ccboulus@waketech.edu.
