AL Department

From WolfWikis

About the Program

What are NC State's NC TEACHing Communities?

NC State's NC TEACHing Communities are designed to recruit, train, support, and retain mid-career professionals as they become licensed teachers in North Carolina. This program is for people who have non-education backgrounds and would like to earn their teaching license. The NC TEACHing Communities program is a lateral entry program in which participants complete their licensure coursework while they are teaching full-time. Established in 2000, the NC TEACH program has licensed over 1,000 teachers. NC TEACHers currently serve in over 80 counties and school districts in all regions of the state. Last year, 53% of all new hires in North Carolina were lateral entry.

While all NC TEACH programs are based on the same fundamental framework, the programs have evolved into university-specific programs -- each with their own set of characteristics. NC State University has added a community component into its program to provide more avenues for local networking, training, and support to its participants. NC State's NC TEACHing Communities collaborate with local organizations, community colleges, and public school systems to ensure that our NC TEACHers become embedded into their communities and have the support and encouragement they need to be successful.

Licensure Areas Offered

High School: Science, Social Studies, Math, English

Middle School: Science, Social Studies, Math, Language Arts

K-12: Spanish and French

Understanding the Licensure Process

Step 1: Lateral Entry License

You will be entering the classroom as a lateral entry teacher. You can be hired as a lateral entry teacher if you meet the eligibility requirements set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI). You will receive the same pay as any first-year full-time teacher. Once a school agrees to hire you, the county office will contact NC DPI to request a Lateral Entry License for you. Lateral Entry Licenses will expire after 3 years. You must complete all of your licensure requirements (content coursework, education coursework, and PRAXIS II tests) by the end of your 3rd year of teaching. NC State's NC TEACHing Communities will help you complete all of your licensure coursework.

Step 2: Standard Professional I License

When you finish all of your licensure requirements, NC State University will contact DPI to clear your lateral entry license. At this point, you will be awarded a Standard Professional I ("A"-level -- bachelor's level) License. This is a full license. The SP I license is good for 3 years. These are your "initially-licensed teacher (ILT)" years.

Step 3: Standard Professional II License

Once you have successfully taught for 3 years, your school system can recommend you for a Standard Professional II license, which is on a 5-year renewal cycle. Once you obtain your SP II license, you will need to start accumulating CEUs (credits towards renewal).

Program Description

Summary of Requirements:

1. Six core NC TEACH education courses

2. PRAXIS II in Middle School (if you are getting licensed for Middle School)

3. Content Courses (determined by a transcript review)

4. PRAXIS II in Subject Area

Course Substitution - Because the six core NC TEACH education courses have been uniquely-designed to meet the needs of lateral entry teachers, they do not align with traditional education courses. Therefore, we are unable to allow previously-taken education courses to substitute for any of the six core NC TEACH education courses.

Licensure: After completion of all of these requirements, the NC TEACHer will be recommended for a Standard Professional I license ("A" level).

Course Descriptions

ECI 471: Educational Implications of Learning and Developmental Theory (3 credit hours). Topics related to human psychological development. Cognitive, social, physical changes, and their interaction among adolescence.

ECI 472: Interaction of Classroom Management and Instruction (3 credit hours). Topics related to teaching in the content area and classroom management. Lesson planning, principles applied to education, measurement and evaluation procedures, behavior therapy, and student motivation.

ECI 473: Subject Specific Methods (3 credit hours). One evening per week. Topics related to cultural factors and how they affect teachers and students in the classroom. Instructional techniques and the development of instructional plans that enhance schooling experiences of culturally diverse students.

ECI 474: Curriculum and Instruction Practices 1 (3 credit hours). One Saturday per Month, 10:00am - 3:00pm. Topics related to essential skills and concepts needed by beginning teachers. The class focuses on questioning, test preparation, discussion skills, familiarity with national standards, multiple teaching strategies, and assessment and evaluation of students.

ECI 475: Peer Mentoring in Alternative Licensure (3 credit hours). One evening per week. Topics related to observing and evaluating fellow teachers in relation to the national state teaching competencies. Classroom observations, videotaping, and group evaluations that are shared and discussed with fellow teachers.

ECI 476: Curriculum and Instruction Practices 2 (3 credit hours). One Saturday per Month, 10:00am - 3:00pm. Topics related to inquiry, activity based instruction, and constructivist principles. Analysis of principles, strategies and application of new teaching approaches.

Sections for all courses: Section 601: Wake County. Section 602: Durham. Section 603: Rocky Mount.

Admissions

Eligibility Requirements for Lateral Entry

You must have ONE of these content requirements:

A degree relevant to the desired licensure area
24 semester hours of coursework in the content area
Passing score(s) on the PRAXIS II test(s) for the desired licensure area
- (not recommended for English or Social Studies licensure).

And, you must have ONE of these GPA requirements:

An undergraduate or graduate degree GPA of at least 2.50
Five years of relevant (teaching) experience that occurred after the Bachelor's degree
A passing score on the PRAXIS I test* and a GPA of at least 3.0 in the major field of study
A passing score on the PRAXIS I test* and a GPA of at least 3.0 in all courses taken during senior year
A passing score on the PRAXIS I test* and GPA of at least 3.0 on a minimum of 15 semester hours of courses completed within the last five years.

To pass the PRAXIS I, you must have a composite score of at least 522. If you have a total SAT score of at least 1100 or an ACT score of at least 24, this will count in place of the PRAXIS I.

Explanation of GPA Requirement: For lateral entry into the classroom, only coursework in degree programs can count toward the minimum required cumulative GPA of 2.50. For example, if you have a 2.40 for your undergraduate degree and a 3.0 for your Master's degree, you WILL be eligible for lateral entry because your Master's GPA was above 2.50. On the other hand, if you have a 2.40 for your undergraduate degree and have taken classes (not in a degree program) since undergraduate to get your GPA above 2.50, you are NOT eligible for lateral entry but you CAN enroll in a Licensure Only program.

The best applicants will have:

The best applicants will have a strong background in their content area and will have three or fewer content courses left to take (determined by a transcript review after application has been submitted). NC TEACHers must be open to adopting new teaching strategies and must be able to quickly incorporate these into their classrooms. NC TEACHers should be excellent time managers. NC TEACHers should be able to deal with emotional situations in a calm, rational manner. NC TEACHers are expected to treat their students, fellow NC TEACHers, lead teachers, and administrators with respect. Teaching is different from other professions because so many people depend on you every day. NC TEACHers are expected to be responsible and reliable as school system employees by always coming to school prepared and by missing as few school days as possible. The ultimate goal of our NC TEACHers is to become highly-effective teaching professionals.

Host Sites

With support from our neighboring counties, NC State's NC TEACH program is expanding. NC State University has opened host sites in Wake County,Durham, and Rocky Mount to better serve teachers in neighboring counties. NC TEACHers will now be able take classes closer to their homes and workplaces.

The NC TEACH program consists of 6 education courses: 2 Summer courses, 2 Fall courses, and 2 Spring courses. The Summer courses will be held at the Host Site. One Fall class (meeting one evening per week) will be held at the Host Site. One Spring class (meeting one evening per week) will be held at the Host Site. The other two classes (one in the Fall and one in the Spring) are Super Saturday classes. These classes meet one Saturday per month on the NC State campus.

To apply for any of our Host Sites, please follow the application procedure for NC TEACH: http://ced.ncsu.edu/ncteach/Application_Procedures.html

On your application, please write your 1st and 2nd choice for Host Site.

Most of our NC TEACHers find a teaching position during the summer while they are taking their first two NC TEACH courses (or after they have taken their first two Spring Start courses). You do not need to have a teaching position before you apply to NC TEACH.

How to Apply

Step One

Obtain official or copies of official transcripts from all attended institutions for all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate work.

Step Two

Submit the following application materials to:

Megan Landwehr

Alternative Licensure Specialist

NCSU Campus Box 7801

Raleigh, NC 27695

1) NC State's NC TEACH Application: Media:Ncteachapplication.pdf -- Please be sure to provide your 1st choice/2nd choice of host site in case your preferred host site is filled.

2) Nonrefundable $50 Application Fee -- check payable to: "NC State University"

3) One copy of all Transcripts -- can be unofficial copies

4) Two Recommendation Letters -- can be in any format. If you would like, you can use the generic NC TEACH recommendation form:Media:NCTeachRecommendationForm.pdf

5) Teaching Philosophy (1-page limit) -- Please explain how your teaching will uphold the LEAD & SERVE conceptual framework of the College of Education at NC State University. Please read about LEAD & SERVE:[LEAD & Serve].

6) Prospective NC TEACHer Survey : Media:Teachersurvey.pdf

The Application Deadline for the Spring Start NC TEACH Cohort is October 15.

The Application Deadline for the Summer Start NC TEACH Cohort is April 15.

Current Students

Finding a Teaching Position

To search for available teaching positions, visit the county websites which are linked on the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI) website: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/fbs/personnel/contacts/

To submit an application to the counties that you are interested in: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/employment/application.html

For information about Charter Schools in North Carolina: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/charterschools/

If you are hired by a Charter School, please make sure that your school obtains a lateral entry license for you from the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Getting Hired as a Teacher

What is the licensing process?

In order to be eligible for lateral entry hire in North Carolina, you must meet the NC Department of Public Instruction's (NC DPI's) eligibility requirements. You will be entering the classroom as a lateral entry teacher and once a school agrees to hire you, the county office will contact NC DPI to get you a Lateral Entry License. Lateral Entry Licenses are good for 3 years. You must complete all of your licensure requirements (education coursework, content coursework, and PRAXIS II tests) by the end of your 3rd year of teaching. When you finish all of your licensure requirements, you will inform NCSU and NCSU will contact DPI to clear your lateral entry license. At this point, you will be awarded a Standard Professional I ("A"-level -- bachelor's level) License (SP I). The SP I license is good for 3 years. These are your "initially-licensed teacher" (ILT) years. Once you have successfully taught for 3 years, your school system can recommend you for a Standard Professional II license (SP II), which is on a 5-year renewal cycle. You do not need to worry about working towards CEUs (credits towards renewal) until you obtain your SP II license.

How do I submit my application for teaching positions?

Counties:

Please make sure that you apply to other counties in addition to Wake County. Wake County hires very few lateral entry teachers. Wake County does not hire English or Social Studies lateral entry teachers. You will find that rural counties that are still within easy commuting distance are desperate for good teachers and will be very appreciative of you. You will have a much greater chance of getting hired if you look in several counties. Please make sure that you consult a county map of North Carolina to find out which counties are within commuting distance of your host site:Media:countymap.gif

Suggestions of Counties to Apply to:

Rocky Mount Host Site - Vance, Franklin, Edgecombe, Wilson, Nash, Halifax, Warren, Granville, North Hampton, Hertford

Wake County Host Site - Johnston, Chatham, Lee, Harnett, Durham, Orange, Franklin, Granville

Durham Host Site - Durham, Granville, Person, Orange, Chatham, Alamance

NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Application: To submit an application to the counties that you are interested in: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/employment/application.html

-- Be sure to submit your application to several counties.

-- You are applying for a licensed position even though you do not currently hold a license. You are, however, eligible to get a Lateral Entry License in the content area that you wrote on your NC TEACH Application. This means that you are considered Highly Qualified (HQ) by DPI and "No Child Left Behind" standards. You will not be able to give specific license information, but you can include that you are HQ for Science (9-12), for example. Put this information on the DPI application where it asks for "areas that you are qualified to teach, but do not hold a license for."

-- Also, some counties require Supplemental Applications. These Supplemental Applications will be mailed to you after you submit your application to the counties through DPI's website. On these Supplemental Applications, you will be able write down that you are eligible for a license in: English (9-12) and Language Arts (6-9); Science (9-12) and Science (6-9); Math (9-12) and Math (6-9); Social Studies (9-12) and Social Studies (6-9); French (K-12); Spanish (K-12).

Obtaining Teaching License

Complete Education Coursework.

- ECI 471 – Summer/Spring: Educational Psychology

- ECI 472 – Summer/Spring: Subject-Specific Methods

- ECI 473 – Fall: Advanced Subject-Specific Methods

- ECI 474 – Fall: Super Saturdays

- ECI 475 – Spring: Peer Mentoring (Videotaping)

- ECI 476 – Spring: Super Saturdays

- For Middle School Licensure, you will also need to pass the PRAXIS II in Middle Grades.

If you work at a Charter School, make sure that the charter school gets you a lateral entry license through DPI. If you are at a public school, your school system will automatically recommend you for a lateral entry license.

Complete Content Coursework (as determined by transcript review). [Content course list given to NC TEACHers during the Fall semester.] If you do not have a degree listed as relevant by DPI for your subject area then you will need to complete these content courses before you can be issued a lateral entry license.

- Content course can be taken through NCSU’s Lifelong Education program (http://www.ncsu.edu/cpss) or at any other accredited college/university/community college.

- If you complete this content coursework at NCSU, please send an email to alternative_licensure@ncsu.edu so that we can verify this and check it off your list of courses. In the email, please include your full name and student ID.

- If you complete your coursework through another accredited college/university/community college, please have your final official transcript mailed to:

Alternative Licensure

NCSU Campus Box 7801

Raleigh, NC 27695

Pass the PRAXIS II Test(s).

- For information about which PRAXIS II tests to take, please see: http://ced.ncsu.edu/teachered/PRAXIS_II.html

- When you register for your PRAXIS II tests, have your scores sent to NC State University (Recipient Code: 5496).

Please keep your Name, Address, Phone Number, Email, etc. updated in the Pack Tracks system (http://www.ncsu.edu/registrar/) AND in the Alternative Licensure Office (email: alternative_licensure@ncsu.edu).

Email alternative_licensure@ncsu.edu to say that you have completed the NC TEACH program and are ready to be licensed. A program coordinator will check your transcripts to make sure that everything is complete and will submit your name to the Office of Professional Education. You will receive an email telling you what paperwork you need to submit.

- You will need to send an official NCSU transcript (after your coursework is completed), Form 1 (attached to the email that you receive from the Office of Professional Education), and a photocopy of your lateral entry license and accompanying letter to:

Michael Maher Director of Professional Education NCSU Campus Box 7801 Raleigh, NC 27695

Once all of your paperwork has been submitted to DPI, you should receive your license in the mail in 6-8 weeks.

Attendance Policies

Summer Start:

Summer - ECI 471 Educational Psychology and ECI 472 Subject-Specific Methods:

You may miss no more than 2 nights of class during the summer program. As soon as you expect to be absent, please email your instructor. You are responsible for getting assignments/deadlines in advance from your Lead Teachers. If you miss more than 2 nights of class, you will not pass the course - no exceptions.

Fall - ECI 473 Subject-Specific Methods:

You can miss no more than 2 classes. If you miss more than 2 nights of class, you will not pass the course - no exceptions. You may be required to complete an alternative assignment for a missed class.

Fall - ECI 474 Super Saturdays - "Miss One, Write One":

1) You can miss only one Super Saturday (for the entire year). You will not pass the course if you miss more than one Super Saturday. 2) If you miss one Super Saturday, you will be required to complete the make-up assignment "Miss One, Write One."

Spring - ECI 475 Peer Mentoring & Advanced Methods:

Spring - ECI 476 Super Saturdays - "Miss One, Write One":

Spring Start:

Spring - ECI 471 Educational Psychology:

Spring - ECI 472 Subject-Specific Methods:

Fall - ECI 473 Subject-Specific Methods:

Fall - ECI 474 Super Saturdays - "Miss One, Write One":

Spring - ECI 475 Peer Mentoring & Advanced Methods:

Spring - ECI 476 Super Saturdays - "Miss One, Write One":

Program Costs

Tuition and Fees

The in-state tuition, books, and fees for the six NC TEACH core courses is approximately $2,600. This cost can be reduced if you teach in a high-need county that is sponsored by the North Carolina Model Teacher Education Consortium.

If you just moved here from another state, you will be eligible for in-state tuition once you are hired as a teacher. To find out how to change your tuition to the in-state rate, please contact Roger Sims at Registration and Records (NCSU): roger_sims@ncsu.edu

Breakdown of Costs

Application Fee: $50

Six NC TEACH Core Courses:
- NC Residents: ~ $430 per class (in-state tuition)
- Non-NC Residents: ~ $820 per class (out-of-state tuition)

Textbooks: ~ $100 (depending on if you buy new or used).

Content Courses: The courses that you need to take are determined by a transcript review. The cost of courses depends on where courses are taken.
- Courses can be taken at any accredited college, university, or community college.

PRAXIS II:
- If you are getting licensed for middle school, you will need to take one test.
- For a high school license, you must take two tests.
- To find out which test(s) to take: Click Here
- There is a $50 registration fee per test day plus the cost of each test (range: $65-$95).
- For fee information: Click Here

Financial Aid & Funding

North Carolina Model Teacher Education Consortium:

If you are hired in a high-need county that is partnered with the North Carolina Model Teacher Education Consortium , you can possibly take classes for as little as $80 per class.

To find out if your county of hire is part of the Consortium, please visit: http://ncmtec.northcarolina.edu/partners/school_systems.html

Troops to Teachers:

If you have served in the military, you may be eligible for Troops to Teachers.

Student Loans:

For student loan information, please contact the Financial Aid Office

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my licensure plan? You will receive your plan of study before or at new student orientation.

Can NC Teach/NC State help me find a job?

No, legally, we cannot help you find a job. But, our program is getting such a good reputation that counties are contacting us if they need teachers. 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.

How much does the program cost?

The estimated cost of the program is $2,600 for the year.

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 during the summer. If you miss class, you are responsible for contacting your lead teacher and obtaining the material that you missed. We have strict attendance policies with this program.

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

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 have taught or 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?

Yes, you are. And, you are entitled to all privileges of every other NC State student. You are entitled to use the computer labs, libraries, athletic facilities, and the Student Health Center.

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: [ncmtec.northcarolina.edu/ click here].

Will I have my license when I finish this program?

You must complete the 6 core NC TEACH courses, pass the PRAXIS II for middle school (if you are going for a middle school license), and any content courses required (determined by a transcript review). Then, you just need to pass the PRAXIS II in your content area and we will recommend that your lateral entry license be changed to a Standard Professional I 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?

We have 3 host sites: Rocky Mount, Durham and Wake County. 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.

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