Lateral Entry
NC TEACH

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is this program designed for?

The program is designed for people interested in entering the teaching profession who may have had a previous career or do not otherwise have a teaching credential. The program is currently designed to prepare and license teachers in mathematics and science in middle and secondary schools only, thus, participants must have a degree or at least 24 semester credit-hours in mathematics or a science.

Since our courses are designed to build upon experiences in classrooms, it is expected that participants in the program will secure a lateral entry or student teaching position starting no later than the Spring semester.

Where and when do courses meet?

As an online program, all courses and constructive coaching occur through online media. This distinguishes this program in several ways and does create technical requirements for participants. However, all the requirements should be manageable.

In order to meet the needs of lateral entry teachers, all courses and/or meetings – with the exception of constructive coaching – occur either after school or on weekends. The program seeks to strike a balance between synchronous and asynchronous sessions to create maximum flexibility for participants.

How is this program different than RALC or other lateral entry programs?

Several features distinguish this program. These include: constructive coaching, complete and concise program, online classes, and opportunity to seek financial aid.

However, in short, a RALC does transcript evaluations, identifies missing elements in a program, and directs individuals to find coursework to complete those requirements. When the requirements are complete, the RALC will recommend the person for licensure. NC TEACH contains all education related coursework (not including potentially required content area courses) needed to complete licensure. After completing the course work, UNC staff recommend program completers for licensure.

What is constructive coaching?

Constructive coaching is designed to recognize that lateral entry teachers need support with many aspects of daily classroom activities as well as general pedagogy.  However we deliberately avoid describing this as supervision, internship, or mentoring since the idea is based on situated problems of practice that the participant faces.

Using webcams, email, and other technology, the coaches virtually enter the classroom to respond to challenges faced by the lateral entry teacher, offering coaching and guidance to the lateral entry teacher. This component of the program is both responsive to needs while also being proactive about providing guidance in areas that we know are challenging for all new teachers. 

What does it mean to be a complete and concise program?

All the education courses required for licensure are included in the program. There is no need to find additional education related courses outside of this program. In addition, these courses have been designed to allow you to complete the program as efficiently as possible, typically in four semesters.

Do we complete transcript evaluations?

Not until the participant is admitted to the program. We do not offer the service of transcript evaluation prior to application. However, this is not necessary. Since this is a complete program in education, no additional education courses are needed. In some cases, additional content courses may be required. However, transcript evaluation would not change this fact. Typically participants need to take no more than 1 course in mathematics or science to complete their programs.

Note: This program only accepts persons with appropriate degrees to teach mathematics or science in middle or high school;  this would mean a degree or at least 24 semester credit-hours in mathematics or a science.

Can I apply for the program if I do not currently have a teaching position?

Yes. A current teaching position is not required for admission. However, the expectation is that participants will actively seek employment for the Fall. In any case, participants must be employed by the Spring semester or have found a suitable student teaching placement. We do not provide employment or student teaching placement services.

What certifications does this program qualify me for?

The program prepares teachers for licensure in mathematics or science teaching in middle grades or secondary schools. A participant can only complete one licensure area before continuing to another. The lateral entry teacher must have a “clear license” in one area before pursuing another.

How long will it take to complete the program?

The program includes 20 credit hours of work. Candidates can choose to take 5 or 6 credit hours per term, taking 4 semesters to complete. Alternatively, candidates can opt to 3 credit hours per term, extending the program to approximately 8 semesters. However, methods courses must be taken in sequence, always beginning in summer session II.

Do the courses count toward a master’s degree?

No, while the program is for post baccalaureate students, the courses are designed for initial licensure and participants are not admitted to a graduate program.  Therefore, the courses do not lead towards a master’s degree.

I have taken courses at another institution, can I transfer those courses into the program?

Possibly. Courses at other institutions may apply to this program. However, content of those courses need to meet minimum requirements as replacements for courses in the program. Therefore syllabi are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to see if minimum expectations are met. In addition, no more than two courses may be transferred into the program.

I am already a lateral entry teacher going through RALC licensure, can I join this program?

Yes. Participants who have completed RALC transcript reviews may apply to the program. However, those applicants are treated no differently (note transfer credits described above). Furthermore, this is a cohort based program. Therefore we do not allow individuals to take individual courses within the program in order to meet RALC requirements. 

Is there financial assistance for the program?

Participants taking 6 credit hours qualify for federal financial aid.

UNC-Chapel Hill's NC TEACH courses qualify for additional tuition support when you are employed by North Carolina Model Teacher Education Consortium partnering school systems. If you commit to teaching in a selected high-needs school, you may also be eligible for support via NC TEACH II.

What are the requirements for admission?

Candidates typically need degrees or at least 24 semester credit-hours in mathematics or science in order to be eligible to participate in the program. However, a college degree in any subject PLUS passing the relevant mathematics or science Praxis II examination(s) may also qualify a candidate for admission.

Are there other requirements for completion of the program?

Given the online nature of the program, participants need computer access; high-speed access is desirable. If participants do not have computers with high-speed internet access at home, participants may be able to use school computers. In addition, cooperation with school technology staff will be needed to support online supervision. Due to the distance education aspect of the program, participants are REQUIRED to communicate regularly with instructors and program staff via email.