Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina elementary school teachers are crucial to the development and education of young students. Find out what requirements exist to become a teacher in North Carolina!
Career Overview
Elementary school teachers are a vital part of the communities in which they serve. Educating children in both public and private school settings, these instructors help shape young minds and prepare them for their continuing education in middle school, high school, and beyond. North Carolina school teachers must possess certain qualifications before becoming licensed to teach by the state. In so doing, they prove that they are dedicated not only to the continuing education of their pupils, but also to their own professional development.
<table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university</td></tr>
<tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> Passing score on (1) a preprofessional skills test or defined minimum SAT or ACT scores; and (2) Pearson Test for North Carolina: Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum (Elementary Education and Exceptional Children: General Curriculum Only) or Praxis II (middle grades, secondary, K-12)</td></tr>
<tr><td> License Validity Period </td><td> Standard Professional 1 license valid for three years; Standard Professional 2 (Continuing) license valid for five years</td></tr>
<tr><td> Certification Renewal Process </td><td> Standard Professional 1 licenses are non-renewable and must be converted to Standard Professional 2 licenses by the end of a three-year period; Standard Professional 2 licenses can be renewed either online or via mailed application every five years</td></tr>
<tr><td> CEU Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> Must have at least 7.5 continuing education credits to qualify for renewal</td></tr>
<tr><td> Average Salary in North Carolina (2018) </td><td> $46,500*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Estimated National Job Growth (2016 – 2026) </td><td> 7%*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
</i></p><h3 id="section---SpecialSkillsCharacteristics">Special Skills & Characteristics</h3><p>In addition to having a bachelor's degree, passing exam scores, and valid licensure, North Carolina elementary school teachers also benefit from possessing the following special skills and characteristics:
</p><ul><li>Strong organizational and planning skills
</li><li>Ability to manage large numbers of children
</li><li>Exceptional communication skills, patience, and desire to help others
</li><li>Dedication to ongoing education and professional development
</li></ul><p>School teachers will also benefit from an enthusiastic and engaging spirit as this will help them communicate difficult subject matter more easily to their students.
</p><h3 id="section---EducationalRequirements">Educational Requirements</h3><p>North Carolina requires each of its teachers to possess at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A bachelor's degree from an out-of-state accredited program is also acceptable for teachers seeking lateral licensure upon moving to the area. After teachers have earned their Standard Professional 2 license, they must continue ongoing education in order to qualify for license renewal. Teachers must provide evidence of at least 7.5 continuing education credits in order to keep their Standard Professional 2 license in good standing.
</p><h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3><p>In addition to a bachelor's degree from a valid program, North Carolina school teachers must either possess a passing score on a preprofessional skills test or defined minimum scores on the SAT or ACT. Teachers are also required to pass either the Pearson Test for North Carolina: Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum (Elementary Education and Exceptional Children: General Curriculum Only) or the Praxis II (middle grades, secondary, K-12). Each of these must be completed to the satisfaction of the state prior to earning one's Standard Professional 1 license.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificationRenewalOngoingEducation">Certification Renewal & Ongoing Education</h3><p>Standard Professional 1 licenses are issued to teachers with 0 – 3 years of experience teaching in a public or private school setting. These licenses remain valid for three years, are non-renewable, and must be converted to a Standard Professional 2 license by the end of the three-year period. In order to qualify for a Standard Professional 2 license, teachers must complete the following:
</p><ul><li>At least three years of teaching experience
</li><li>Proficient rating or better on state-approved evaluation in third year
</li><li>Professional development activities mandated by employing North Carolina local education agency
</li><li>Satisfactory scores on North Carolina Board of Education required tests
</li><li>At least 7.5 continuing education credits
</li></ul><p>Standard Professional 2 licenses remain valid for five years and must be renewed either online or via mailed application, accompanied by the aforementioned required materials.</p>