NORTH CAROLINA
STATE RESOURCES

To become a special education teacher in North Carolina, you'll need to meet the following requirements:  

• Degree 

  • A bachelor's or master's degree in special education is usually required for both public and private schools. Many aspiring educators choose a degree that focuses on special education or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  

• Teacher training program 

  • To qualify for a teaching license in public schools, your degree must include a teacher training program that's approved by the state.  

• GPA 

  • To be accepted into a teaching program in North Carolina, you'll generally need an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7.  

• Exams 

  • You may need to pass certification and subject matter tests, as well as a background check.  

• Residency year 

  • This year includes working directly with children, leading your own classroom, and receiving help from a Field Supervisor. 

North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) required licensure exams are outlined in policy LICN-003. Prepare and register to take SBE-required licensure exams: 

• Pearson 

• Praxis

To become a special educator in North Carolina, candidates must: 

• Complete an approved education preparation program.

• Obtain the following official documents to be uploaded into your online application.

  1. 1. • Degree-dated transcripts - bachelor's, master's, and all other post-secondary studies

        • Licensure content area examination(s) - if applicable

        • Valid and current educator's license from another state if held

        • Verification by Institution:  Completion of Approved Education Program (Form V)

        • Forms

          • Form V

          • Experience request forms for previous work

          • PreK-12 teaching/teacher's assistant (Form E)

          • Post-secondary (Form CE),

          • Non-teaching (Form NE),

          • Military Instructor or Leadership (Form ME)

            • Have each different employer complete and sign a separate form 

            • Review requirements for experience credit on each form prior to submitting the application

• Register for or log into your account at the NCDPI Online License System and apply for a license.

• Pay the required non-refundable/non-transferrable licensure fee with a valid credit card.  Visa or Mastercard Credit/Debit accepted.

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/educators/educators-licensure/apply-nc-educator-license 

Interested in changing your career to teaching? Check out North Carolina's new Residency License.

This list contains all of North Carolina's approved educator preparation programs. For specific licensure area programs, check out TeachNC.

This list is current as of posting but is subject to change. Please check with your state licensing agency to ensure accuracy.  

• North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) 

  • Represents public education employees, retired educators, and students in teacher preparation programs    

• Council for Exceptional Children 

  • CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. CEC is known as THE source for information, resources, and professional development for special educators.  

• The Office of Exceptional Children at the NC DPI  

  • Provides resources and support for educators, families, students, and administrators involved in special education.  

• North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program 

  • Description: This program offers scholarships to students pursuing a degree in education, with a focus on special education being a high-need area. Scholars commit to teaching in a North Carolina public school in return for this financial support. 

  • Award: Up to $8,250 per year, renewable for up to four years. 

  • Eligibility: Open to North Carolina residents attending an approved educator preparation program (EPP) at one of the partnering colleges/universities in the state. 

  • Website: NC Teaching Fellows 

•   Cato Excellence in Teaching Scholarship 

  • Description: Offered through the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children, this scholarship is designed for students enrolled in teacher education programs, including those focusing on special education. 

  • Award: Varies based on funding availability. 

  • Eligibility: Open to North Carolina residents pursuing a degree in education with a demonstrated commitment to public school teaching. 

  • Website: Cato Excellence in Teaching Scholarship 

•  Prospective Teacher Scholarship Loan Program 

  • Description: This scholarship-loan program is offered to undergraduate students pursuing teacher licensure in North Carolina, including those specializing in special education. Loan forgiveness is offered for those who commit to teaching in a North Carolina public school. 

  • Award: Varies, typically covering tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses. 

  • Eligibility: North Carolina residents attending a state-approved teacher education program. 

  • Website: NC Prospective Teacher Scholarship Loan 

• North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT) Future Educator Scholarship 

  • Description: While this scholarship is generally for future educators, it often includes a focus on special education, particularly for those interested in working with twice-exceptional students. 

  • Award: Varies. 

  • Eligibility: Open to North Carolina residents who are pursuing a degree in education with a focus or interest in special education or gifted education. 

  • Website: NCAGT  

• TEACH Grant Program 

  • Description: A federal grant that provides up to $4,000 per year to students who agree to teach in a high-need field, including special education, at a low-income school for at least four years within eight years of completing their program. 

  • Award: Up to $4,000 per year. 

  • Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible program, maintain a certain academic standard, and sign an agreement to serve. 

  • Website: Federal Student Aid - TEACH Grant 

These scholarships and grants provide a range of financial support options for those pursuing a career in special education in North Carolina. Be sure to check the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each program.

Grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance are available.