How To Become a Middle School Teacher in North Carolina 2025

Are you planning to teach middle school in North Carolina? The state outlines a clear route to licensure for grades six through eight through its Department of Public Instruction. As you follow the how to become a middle school teacher path, you'll complete a degree, pass required exams, and gain classroom experience. This article explains each step, explores subject-specific options, and highlights tuition, financial aid, and approved education programs.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

Middle school teachers work with students in grades six through eight during a critical period of academic and social-emotional development. These educators help bridge the gap between elementary and high school, typically teaching one or two core subjects such as English, math, science, or social studies. They also play a key role in fostering responsibility, independence, and interpersonal skills.

To meet middle school teacher educational requirements in North Carolina, candidates must complete an approved teacher preparation program, pass licensure exams, and earn state certification. Teachers must also be prepared to manage classrooms, support student growth, and collaborate with school communities.

Typical middle school teacher expectations include:*planning and delivering lessons aligned with North Carolina Standard Course of Study*teaching one or more core subjects to students in grades six to eight*creating a safe, inclusive, and well-managed classroom environment*evaluating student progress and adjusting instruction*communicating regularly with parents and school staff*supporting students' academic and social development*participating in professional development and licensure renewal

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in North Carolina

If you're researching the requirements to become a middle school teacher, North Carolina offers a structured path to licensure through traditional and alternative routes. The state requires all prospective teachers to earn a bachelor's degree, complete a teacher preparation program, pass required exams, and apply for licensure through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). Below are the key steps for certification.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree From a Regionally Accredited Institution

The first step is earning a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Ideally, this degree should include a major or concentration in the subject you plan to teach at the middle grades level, such as English, math, science, or social studies.

If your degree is not in education, you can still qualify for licensure by completing a post-baccalaureate or graduate-level teacher preparation program. North Carolina offers both traditional undergraduate teacher education degrees and alternative certification pathways for individuals who already hold a non-teaching degree.

Step 2: Complete a North Carolina-Approved Educator Preparation Program

To be eligible for licensure, you must complete a state-approved educator preparation program. These programs include coursework in instructional strategies, adolescent development, assessment practices, and classroom management, along with a supervised student teaching experience.

Teacher preparation programs may be part of a bachelor's or master's degree or offered as standalone post-baccalaureate certificates. For career changers, North Carolina provides residency licensure pathways that allow you to begin teaching while completing certification requirements.

Step 3: Pass the Required Licensure Exams

All prospective middle school teachers must pass the North Carolina licensure exams aligned with their content area. These typically include the Praxis Subject Assessments in your chosen subject (e.g., Middle Grades Mathematics, Middle Grades English Language Arts) and the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) for grades five to nine.

Your preparation program will guide you on when and how to take these exams. Passing scores are required to demonstrate subject knowledge and instructional competency and are submitted directly to NCDPI for licensure approval.

Step 4: Apply for a North Carolina Teaching License

After completing your preparation program and passing all required exams, you must apply for a professional educator license through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's online licensure portal. This includes uploading transcripts, test scores, and a recommendation from your educator preparation provider.

Most new teachers begin with an Initial Professional License, which is valid for three years. During this time, you'll complete additional professional development and begin working toward a Continuing Professional License.

Step 5: Advance to a Continuing Professional License

Once you've taught successfully for three years in a North Carolina public school and completed your induction requirements, you can apply to upgrade to a Continuing Professional License. This license is renewable every five years and requires ongoing professional development.

To maintain licensure, you must complete eight renewal credits in approved coursework or training, including literacy instruction and digital learning standards. Keeping your license current ensures you're eligible to remain in the classroom and grow in your teaching career.

Middle School Requirements By Subject

North Carolina requires middle school teachers to specialize in one or more core content areas to meet licensure standards. Candidates must complete an approved educator preparation program that includes subject-specific coursework and pass the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessments for each content area they plan to teach. Below are the requirements by subject.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To become a licensed middle school math teacher in North Carolina, you must complete a teacher preparation program with a concentration in mathematics for grades six through nine. This includes coursework in algebra, geometry, probability, and teaching strategies for adolescent learners.

You are also required to pass the Praxis Middle Grades Mathematics (5164) exam. This test assesses your understanding of math content and instructional techniques. Once you complete your program and pass the exam, you can apply for an Initial Professional License in mathematics.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

Middle school science teachers in North Carolina must complete a teacher preparation program focused on science education for grades six through nine. Your coursework should include biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics, along with instructional methods tailored to adolescent students.

To qualify for licensure, you must pass the Praxis Middle Grades Science (5442) exam. This exam ensures that you are proficient in science content and teaching strategies. After meeting education and testing requirements, you may apply for licensure with a science endorsement.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

If you want to teach social studies or history at the middle school level in North Carolina, you need to complete a teacher preparation program with a concentration in social studies for grades six through nine. Your coursework will typically include U.S. history, world history, geography, civics, and instructional methods for teaching history.

In addition to your coursework, you must pass the Praxis Middle Grades Social Studies (5089) exam. This exam confirms your readiness to teach historical content and assess student understanding. Upon completion, you'll be eligible for licensure in social studies.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

To teach English language arts in North Carolina middle schools, you must complete an educator preparation program that focuses on reading, writing, grammar, and literature for grades six through nine. Courses in adolescent literacy and instructional methods are also required.

You must also pass the Praxis Middle Grades English Language Arts (5047) exam. This assessment measures your knowledge of reading comprehension, language use, and instructional practices. Once all academic and testing requirements are met, you can apply for a license with an English language arts endorsement.

Education Degree Programs in North Carolina

Colleges in North Carolina offer teacher preparation programs that lead to licensure in middle grades education. The options below include bachelor's degree pathways with field experience, subject-area training, and support for meeting certification requirements.

1. Western Carolina University

The Bachelor of Science in middle grades education at Western Carolina University (WCU) prepares students to teach grades six through nine in two subject areas, including language arts, math, science, or social studies. The program includes coursework in educational psychology, assessment, and classroom management, along with subject-specific pedagogy. Students also complete clinical field placements and a semester of student teaching in a public school.

WCU's program is designed to meet North Carolina licensure requirements and includes support from faculty advisors and an education recruiter. Graduates are eligible to apply for initial licensure and are well-equipped to begin teaching in middle school settings across the state.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,138.60 (in-state); $11,138.60 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Pembroke offers a Bachelor of Science in middle grades education that prepares candidates to teach two content areas in grades six through nine. Students choose from language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies and complete a curriculum focused on instructional methods, child development, and classroom management. The program includes early field experiences and a full semester of student teaching to ensure classroom readiness.

UNC Pembroke's educator preparation program supports students through advising, testing resources, and licensure guidance. Graduates are eligible for North Carolina teacher licensure and prepared to teach in diverse school settings across the state.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,000 (in-state); $5,000 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University offers a Bachelor of Science in middle grades education for students preparing to teach grades six through nine. The program requires candidates to specialize in two subject areas (language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) while developing skills in lesson planning, classroom assessment, and instructional technology. Students complete clinical field placements beginning early in the program and participate in a full semester of student teaching.

The university provides academic advising, test preparation resources, and mentorship opportunities to help future educators succeed. Graduates are eligible for licensure in North Carolina and are equipped to enter middle school classrooms across the state.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,000 (in-state); $5,000 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. East Carolina University

East Carolina University's (ECU) Bachelor of Science in middle grades education is designed for students who want to teach in grades six through nine. The program allows candidates to specialize in two academic concentrations while gaining hands-on experience in public school classrooms. Coursework includes instructional strategies, adolescent development, and methods for engaging middle school learners.

Students complete multiple practicum experiences throughout the program, culminating in a full semester of student teaching. ECU's strong partnerships with local school districts support mentorship and job placement after graduation, helping future teachers transition into the classroom with confidence.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,438 (in-state); $23,715 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers both a graduate certificate and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in middle grades education. These online programs are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to earn licensure to teach grades six through nine. Students choose a content focus, such as English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies, and complete coursework in instructional methods, learning theory, and assessment.

The graduate certificate leads to an initial North Carolina teaching license, while the MAT adds advanced coursework in curriculum design and research-based teaching practices. Both pathways include clinical field experiences and are ideal for career changers or those seeking flexible licensure options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,841 (in-state); $20,627 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Middle School Teacher Salary in North Carolina

The average middle school teacher salary in North Carolina is $52,350 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can vary depending on district, subject area, and experience.

Entry-level teachers may earn less than the statewide average, while those with advanced degrees, certifications, or leadership roles often earn more. Urban areas such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham tend to offer higher wages than rural districts due to cost-of-living differences and staffing demands.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in North Carolina

Employment of middle school teachers is projected to decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, demand for qualified teachers will remain steady due to workforce turnover.

Around 41,400 openings are projected each year as current educators retire or move into other professions. In North Carolina, population growth in suburban areas may increase demand for teachers in some regions, especially in subjects like math and science. Aspiring teachers with credentials in high-need areas or multiple content endorsements may have stronger job prospects.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

Students pursuing a teaching degree in North Carolina may qualify for a variety of financial aid opportunities. These include federal grants, state scholarships, and work-study programs. You can start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access need-based aid such as the Pell Grant and TEACH Grant.

North Carolina also offers state-specific assistance like the NC Teaching Fellows Program, which provides forgivable loans to students preparing to teach in high-need subjects or underserved communities. Additionally, many online colleges that accept financial aid offer flexible, affordable options for future teachers, including hybrid or fully online educator preparation programs.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in North Carolina

If you're planning to become a middle school teacher in North Carolina, you likely have questions about the timeline, licensure paths, and education requirements. The answers below can help you understand your options and make informed decisions as you prepare to enter the classroom.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Middle School Teacher in North Carolina?

It typically takes four to five years to become a licensed middle school teacher in North Carolina. Most students earn a bachelor's degree in education with a concentration in middle grades, complete student teaching, and pass the necessary licensure exams during that time.

Can You Become a Teacher in North Carolina Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, it's possible to become a teacher without a traditional teaching degree through an alternative licensure program. North Carolina offers residency licensure options for candidates who have a bachelor's degree in another field and meet other qualifications, such as testing or enrollment in an educator preparation program.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest path is typically residency licensure, which allows you to begin teaching while completing licensure requirements. This option is ideal for career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to enter the classroom quickly while earning full certification.

How Can I Become a Teacher in North Carolina for Free?

You may be able to become a teacher at little or no cost by combining federal grants like the TEACH Grant with North Carolina programs such as the NC Teaching Fellows Program. Some schools also offer tuition assistance or loan forgiveness for those who commit to teaching in high-need subjects or underserved areas.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

No, you must have at least a bachelor's degree to become a licensed middle school teacher in North Carolina. However, you can begin your education at a community college and transfer to a four-year program to complete your teaching degree and licensure requirements.

Explore Teaching Degrees in North Carolina

North Carolina offers a wide range of accredited programs that prepare students to teach in grades six through eight. Explore degree options at colleges featured on Learn.org to find a path that fits your goals and timeline.