North Carolina Central University

Students | Prospective | Post-Baccalaureate

Lateral Entry

Lateral entry provides a way for skilled individuals who are interested in teaching but did not receive an education degree to enter the teaching profession. The individual completes an approved education program while teaching in a field which relates closely to the field he/she received a 4 year degree in (WCPSS).

A lateral entry license entitles the holder to be employed by and serve as a teacher in North Carolina schools. Lateral entry licenses are authorized on a provisional basis in major areas of academic study for which the state has established licensure (NCDPI).

**Note: Our Licensure office does not offer employment placement, it is the responsibility of the candidate to seek employment as a lateral entry teacher through the school of their choice.

Programs Offered

Applicants for a lateral entry license must be employed by a North Carolina school system and hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the subject area they are employed to teach or hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and have satisfied Praxis II testing requirements for the license area (NCDPI).

Individuals must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or have passed the NTE/Praxis I tests and have earned one of the following:

Individuals licensed through lateral entry must complete an approved education program in their area of license. Successful teaching experience may be substituted for the student teaching requirement.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Licensure Office can help address questions.  The main number for the Licensure Office is (919) 807-3310.  The toll free number is (800) 577-7994.  The “Employment and Licensure Hotlink” available on the website for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is another helpful source of information.  The URL is www.dpi.state.nc.us.  The Teach4NC Web site www.teach4nc.com also provides excellent information on all aspects of teaching in North Carolina.

Admissions

After submitting a complete application packet the applicant will be admitted to NCCU. The individual’s credentials will be evaluated and a program of study will be created outlining the coursework necessary to earn a clear license. Please allow 30 days from the date of receipt for the program of study to be returned. (Failure to submit all documents at one time will result in further delay of this process.)

**Note: If the applicant fails to attend NCCU in the semester following admission he/she will have to contact the Alternative Licensure Office to be readmitted and pay the application fee.

Transcript Evaluation Process

Course Requirements for Licensure-Only Candidates (with Lateral Entry Status)

Licensure-Only candidates with Lateral Entry status must complete the following credits in the Professional Knowledge Core:

* Lateral Entry Teachers are recommended to take EDU 3150 first.

**This required course in the Professional Knowledge sequence is to be taken only after the student has been admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP).

** Please note that licensure requirements in each content area may vary. The candidate must adhere to the requirements stated by the Program Director/Coordinator.