IMPORTANT NOTICE: NC TEACH II is no longer accepting applications for new participants. If you are interested in entering education through alternative certification, please contact one of the NC TEACH II host universities for information about other programs available through their schools of education. You will also find information about alternative licensure on this website, and you may call our central office with questions.
NC TEACH II is a UNC General Administration program funded by a U.S. Department of Education Transition to Teaching grant. The Transition to Teaching program supports projects that recruit highly qualified mid-career professionals, retirees and recent college graduates as teachers for high-need school districts.
NC TEACH II works with high-needs school districts and charter schools identified by the U.S. Department of Education to recruit and prepare lateral entry teachers who are committed to remaining in a those schools for a minimum of three years. In return for this commitment, the teachers receive a $1000 education stipend and a $2000 technology allowance (or laptop computer).
Why is this project important?
NC’s lowest performing schools are more likely to be staffed by teachers without appropriate preparation or licensure. Recent research has demonstrated that poor teacher quality “trumps” even poor socioeconomic conditions in contributing to student underachievement.* Fourteen of the 15 NC school systems with the highest rates of children living in poverty are located in the areas that also have the largest minority population in the state.°
NC TEACH II works to successfully accomplish the following goals:
Who is eligible to participate in NC TEACH II?
Apply to NC TEACH II!
The universities accepting applications include East Carolina University, UNC Pembroke, UNC Wilmington and Western Carolina University. Follow the normal application procedures for your chosen host university and contact the host coordinator at that university directly to let them know you are interested in NC TEACH II.
What school disctricts and charter schools are eligible to participate in this project?
Each year all school districts and charter schools in North Carolina are evaluated according to Title II, Part A legislation which includes factors such as poverty rates and number of teachers teaching out of their licensure field. A current list of the school districts and charter schools considered high-need and eligible for this project is released each Fall. Click here to see the 2010-11 current eligibility list.
What teachers are eligible to participate?
Current 1st year lateral entry teachers hired in an eligible school district or charter school teaching a core content area (math, science, English, social studies), special education, a foreign language or Elementary Education. They must be accepted by one of the participating NC TEACH II host universities and sign a letter of intent showing their commitment to teach in an eligible school for a minimum of three years.
How do I find a potential NC TEACH II teacher to hire?
If you are on our eligibility list, please contact us stating your licensure area needs and we will direct you to a host coordinator who may have participants in their general NC TEACH cohort who are interested in finding employment in an eligible school and becoming an NC TEACH II participant.
Is there anything I need to do differently or additional for an NC TEACH II teacher?
Support them in the same way you would any beginning teacher in your school. There is no paperwork to complete other than verfiying employment. Please feel free to let your hired 1st year lateral entry teachers know about this opportunity and incentive if they are not already enrolled in a teacher training program.They receive a $3000 incentive and you receive a three year commitment from your NC TEACH II teacher!
° School Systems Designated as Geographic Areas of Teacher Shortage: 1999-2000. NC Department of
Public Instruction.
* “Need Affects Performance: As Need Increases, Test Scores Decrease.” NC Public School Forum, 1998.
Do you have questions about NC TEACH II? Please email Alan Meyers at: ameyers@northcarolina.edu.