Alternatively Licensed Teachers
According to § 115C.270.20.a.5, the Residency License is a one-year license that is renewable twice and has replaced the Lateral Entry License. This is the current alternative pathway to be issued a teaching license in North Carolina.
Pathway to Alternative Licensure
As stated in SBE policy LICN-001, the two licenses listed below can be requested by an LEA for an individual they are hiring for a teaching assignment and meets the requirements listed for each type of license. Both license options allow the individual to qualify for a one-year RL in a teaching area with the option to renew twice, within no longer than a three-year period.
- Permit to Teach - A one-year non-renewable license issued to an individual with a baccalaureate degree and cannot qualify for a license under any other approach.
- Emergency License - A one-year non-renewable license issued to an individual with a baccalaureate degree with 18 hours of coursework relevant to the requested licensure area, but has not completed a recognized educator preparation program and does not qualify for an RL.
In order to be issued an RL, an individual must meet these requirements:
- Is requested by the local board of education and accompanied by a certification of supervision from the recognized educator preparation program in which the individual is enrolled.
- The individual for whom the license is requested meets all of the following requirements:
- Holds a bachelor's degree.
- Has either completed coursework relevant to the requested licensure area or passed the content area examination relevant to the requested licensure area that has been approved by the State Board.
- Is enrolled in a recognized educator preparation program.
- Meets all other requirements established by the State Board, including completing preservice requirements prior to teaching.
The above information and more details are located at: NCDPI Alternative Pathways
NCDPI has a list of approved Educator Preparation Programs for Residency Licensed teachers, please visit: NCDPI Approved Programs.