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If the mild climate, miles of beaches and the Great Smoky Mountains make North Carolina such a popular tourist destination, imagine teaching in North Carolina and making it your home. As a North Carolina teacher, you can enjoy working in one of fastest growing states in the country. Many high-tech industries are nestled within the Research Triangle, North Carolina's version of Silicon Valley and an area nurtured by three of North Carolina's major universities: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and Duke University.
Benefits of Teaching in North Carolina In the education sector, state-level initiatives have been implemented to find the best methods to close achievement gaps and prepare kids to be competitive in a global economy (the North Carolina Advisory Commission on Raising Achievement & Closing Gaps is one example). Become a teacher in North Carolina and your efforts in preparing students to be future-ready may be aided by an average student-teacher ratio of under 14:1. In a 2006 state comparison of index scores measuring students' college preparedness, the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education gave North Carolina an 87 percent score—ranking the state 13th in the country. North Carolina Teacher Salaries While an NC teacher salary may be lower than the national average, the cost of living may vary or be lower in certain regions of North Carolina when compared to other regions in the United States. In addition, beginning teachers may find teaching in North Carolina a good place to start their careers and gain valuable experience. The state's academic resources and its goals to reduce class sizes may be also be worthy incentives when considering whether to become a teacher in North Carolina. Here are wage estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2007 for North Carolina teachers: - Elementary teacher salary: $39,670
- Middle school teacher salary: $39,060
- Secondary teacher salary: $41,520
- Special education teacher salary: $40,850
There is more to becoming a teacher in North Carolina than earning an NC teacher salary. Additional rewards and incentives are prevalent. For example, North Carolina teachers who pass the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification test receive a 12 percent salary increase, and North Carolina teachers who obtain masters or PhD advanced degrees also achieve higher salaries. Those who mentor beginning teachers can receive a $100 bonus per month for up to 10 months, as well. Also, if you are in the military and eligible, the Troops to Teachers program may offer up to $5,000 to assist with certification costs necessary to become a teacher in North Carolina.
North Carolina Teaching Shortages The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction estimates a growing need for teachers due to standard attrition rates among teachers and a state-wide initiative to decrease class size. The state anticipates hiring more than 100,000 new North Carolina teachers through 2010. According to the US Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education, recent high-demand subject areas in the state include the following:
How to Get a Teaching License in North Carolina Any professional position in a North Carolina public school requires a license. You can obtain a license in the following teaching areas: Most teaching levels require you to choose an academic specialty subject, such as language arts, math or social studies in order to become certified. To meet the basic licensing requirements for teaching in North Carolina, you must complete an approved teacher education program at a regionally accredited college or university to qualify for a Standard Professional 1 license (SP1), which is valid for three years. You can get an advanced license (SP2) that is valid for five years by meeting additional requirements. To renew your license, you must complete approved professional development courses. If you are transferring to NC from another state, you'll need a current teaching certificate, a bachelor's degree and federal designation as "highly qualified" in a core subject area. Consider North Carolina Teaching Whether for its outdoor beauty, expanding economy or increasing demand for education professionals, the Tar Heel State offers many incentives that may inspire you to become a North Carolina teacher. Explore our database of accredited teacher education programs and find a North Carolina teaching program now. |
