North Carolina

Become a Certified Teacher in North Carolina with #TEACH

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North Carolina

Become a Certified Teacher in North Carolina with #TEACH

Choose Your Path

#TEACH is a CAEP-accredited pathway for teacher certification in North Carolina. We provide university-level rigor, high-touch coaching, and a structured journey designed to help you master the craft of teaching, not just get a license.

Find the right program for your education career goals.

Initial Certification 

Start your teaching career with our comprehensive certification program

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Courses for Graduate Credit

Browse our graduate-level courses to earn credits that count toward certification or advancement

Degree Completion

Complete your bachelor’s degree while preparing to teach

Master’s Degree

Advance your career with our graduate education programs

Your Journey to Teaching

Follow our step-by-step process to become a certified educator

1

See if you Qualify
A bachelor’s degree gets you started

2

Application
Submit your application and documents

3

Begin Coursework
Complete enrollment and begin coursework

4

Residency
Complete teaching residency

5

Certification
Receive your teaching certificate

Pricing and Scholarships​

We believe quality teacher preparation should be accessible. Explore our flexible payment plans, scholarships, and financial aid options.

  • Payment plans available
  • Third-party financing available
  • Financial assistance and scholarships available

Success Stories

Hear from our diverse community of certified educators

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to common questions about our programs

How do I apply?

It’s easy! All you need to do is complete our online application by clicking here or the  “Apply Today” button.

During the application process, you will be asked to submit your resume, provide proof that you have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution and a 2.70 GPA or higher. 

Admissions are rolling and applications are accepted year-round.

You are not limited by your degree! You can teach in any area as long as you pass the Praxis® Subject Assessments required for that area. You can also meet the requirement with 24 credit hours in the subject you would like to teach.

We do not have any guidance documents on work visas. We recommend contacting the U.S. Department of State for guidance on employment regulations.

Unlike most colleges of education that require a “teachable major,” with alternative certification your degree can be in any area! Passing the PRAXIS test or providing proof of 24 hours of coursework in the subject area is proof of your content knowledge in the testing area. Once you pass the test, our job is to train you in the pedagogy or “The Art of Teaching.”

Yes! We offer credit for your prior college of education coursework! We review all transcripts submitted to determine if credit can be granted. If you have taken prior courses that meet our course content, we will grant credit. Please note that we will only grant credit for courses that were taken at a regionally accredited College or University or other approved Education Preparation Program.

You are not required to pass the PRAXIS prior to admission. You can be admitted and enrolled in our courses while you prepare for the PRAXIS. However, you are required to pass it prior to receiving your Residency Certification.

On our website under the “Admissions & Testing,” you can access links to study guides, practice tests, and other prep material. We also have a relationship with ExamEdge to offer full length practice tests in most areas!

Register through the official PRAXIS website.

Employers may post jobs on our site for candidates to search.

What if my degree is from out of the country?
A course-by-course international credential evaluation is required and must be submitted to NCDPI.

No, the PRAXIS Core is not required for individuals that hold a Bachelor’s degree. You must pass a PRAXIS Subject Assessment test in order to qualify for a Residency License with #TEACH.

PRAXIS scores are good for five years. If older, the test must be retaken.

It is certainly permissible for a non-certified individual enrolled in an alternative route program to be placed in an online school. Your observations would have to be portfolio based: samples of units and lessons designed and delivered by you the teacher, and of student work and feedback provided by the teacher to show impact on student learning. You will be required to supplement online teaching with some face-to-face teaching in the school or district of your choice.

What if I want to teach Special Education or Early Childhood Education?

While we do not certify in early childhood, we do certify in special education. We are able to certify in multiple special education areas including General Curriculum and Behaviorally/Emotionally Disabled.

For ESL endorsements, candidates must:
1. Pass the PRAXIS in ESL
 
For World Language endorsements, candidates must:
1. Pass the PRAXIS and/or ACTFL OPI & WPT for the language they are seeking and
2. Earn an Advanced Low or better on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) for French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
3. All World Language certifications are K-12
The ASL Certification is available for Residency Licenses even without taking the PRAXIS. In lieu of the PRAXIS, candidates must demonstrate ASL proficiency to earn the ASL Certification. To be deemed proficient, candidates must achieve a Level 4 (Advanced/Advanced+) on the SLIP (Sign Language Proficiency Interview).
The SLPI is offered by The National Technical Institute for the Deaf. 

The short answer is yes. However, your Residency License can only be in one area. Once you convert your Residency License to a Professional License, you can work with NCDPI to grant licensure in other areas based on passing Praxis scores.

According to NCDPI, there is no specific test for theatre, but licensure may be granted with 24 credit hours in the subject area.

Our program is hours based. Our Elementary and Secondary Programs are 383 hours. This is the equivalent of 15.32 credit hours. Our P-12 certification program is 433 hours which is the equivalent of 17.32 credit hours.

The way alternative certification works is that you show evidence of your content knowledge by passing the PRAXIS. As an alternative certification provider, our job is to train you how to teach the content effectively. As such, our courses focus on the “Art of Teaching,” not specific content.

It is required by state law. Knowing the content and being able to teach the content are two different things. The coursework is designed to teach you how to teach.

How much does #TEACH cost?

Initial certification costs range from $5,530-$5,925 depending on which payment plan you choose. Discounts or scholarships may be available. See the Pricing & Scholarships page for more information.

#TEACH is not a college and therefore cannot offer federal student aid. However, we do have financing options, payment plans, and a payment-in-full discount. Visit the Pricing & Scholarships page for details.

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Initial Certification

Alternative Teacher Certification in North Carolina

The #TEACH alternative teacher certification program provides a flexible, state‑approved pathway for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become certified teachers in North Carolina. 

 

How the Program Works 

The #TEACH program is designed to help you move efficiently from application to full North Carolina teacher certification through a structured, supportive process.  

Step 1: Apply and Get Started 

Begin by submitting an application. Once accepted, the #TEACH admissions team works with you to map out your personalized path to certification. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet North Carolina eligibility requirements.  

Step 2: Complete Coursework 

In total, candidates are provided up to 433 hours of comprehensive curriculum in the following areas:  

  • Planning and Building

  • Child Development

  • Family and Community

  • Instruction

  • Differentiated Instruction

  • Assessment and Evaluation

  • Classroom Management

  • Diverse Learners

  • Teaching Methods

Additionally, we also offer courses in Restorative Practices. 

All coursework is designed to prepare you for real classroom environments and professional expectations.  

Step 3: Teach With Support (Residency Year) 

During your first year in the classroom, you serve as a certified teacher while receiving ongoing, individualized support. Instructional coaches provide mentoring, training, and in‑classroom guidance throughout your residency year, ensuring you are never navigating the process alone.  

Step 4: Earn Full North Carolina Certification 

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, including one academic year of teaching with successful evaluations, your Residency License will convert to a North Carolina Professional Licensure.

 

Why Choose the #TEACH Program? 

  • State‑approved alternative route to teacher certification in North Carolina 
  • Designed for career‑changers and working adults 
  • Combines coursework with real classroom experience 
  • Ongoing coaching and mentoring throughout the program 
  • Clear path from application to full North Carolina certification 

Courses for Graduate Credit

Graduate‑Level Education Courses 

#TEACH offers graduate‑level education courses for North Carolina participants through a partnership with Ashland University. Candidates enrolled with #TEACH can earn up to 12 graduate credits for their completed coursework. 

 

Which courses count?

  • Child Development – Elementary
  • Child Development – Secondary
  • Classroom Management
  • Assessment and Evaluation

 

See the North Carolina Programs page for more information

Degree Completion

Finish Your Bachelor’s Degree While Preparing to Teach 

The University of Olivet’s Online Bachelor’s Teaching Pathway is designed for individuals who want to complete their bachelor’s degree and begin teacher certification at the same time. Offered fully online and delivered in partnership with #TEACH, this pathway provides a streamlined option for future educators who need a degree to move forward in the certification process.  

 

What This Pathway Offers 

  • Bachelor’s degree completion through the University of Olivet 
  • Teacher certification preparation through #TEACH  
  • 100% online coursework, designed for working adults 
  • Ability to apply previously earned college credits toward degree completion 
  • Coursework that prepares candidates to transition directly into the classroom  

Master’s Degree Program

Earn Your Master of Education Online 

The University of Olivet’s Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) offers a flexible, fully online option for individuals who want to advance their education career while working toward teacher certification or additional endorsements. Delivered in partnership with #TEACH, this program allows students to complete graduate‑level coursework while meeting state certification requirements.  

 

Program Highlights 

  • 100% online coursework with asynchronous learning and optional live sessions 
  • Designed for career‑changers and current educators 
  • Opportunity to earn teacher certification or endorsements while completing the M.Ed. 
  • Aligned to state certification requirements and supported by CAEP‑accredited #TEACH pathways 
  • Accessible to students in North Carolina