Lateral entry is an “alternate” route to teaching for qualified individuals outside of the public education system. Lateral entry allowed qualified individuals to obtain a teaching position and begin teaching right away, while obtaining a license as they teach. Effective June 30, 2019, The State Board of Education is phasing out the “Lateral Entry Pathway.” Consistent with the process for this pathway, all candidates issued courses of study connected to a lateral entry license on or before June 30, 2019 will have three years to finish that work.
The entire lateral entry route will formally close and all candidates employed under this license option must have all requirements satisfied as of June 20, 2022. Candidates may work with a North Carolina Regional Alternative Licensing Center (RALC) or contact the NC DPI Licensure Section for more assistance with the Lateral Entry license pathway.
The lateral entry pathway will be replaced by the “Residency Model” pathway (§ 115C.270.20.a.5). The residency model is currently available for those interested (please see below for the specific requirements for this license pathway).
Under the Residency Model pathway, teaching candidates must FIRST enroll in an approved educator preparation program (EPP) BEFORE applying to a teaching vacancy.
The Residency License as defined in (§ 115C.270.20.a.5):
A one-year license, renewable twice, that meets both of the following requirements:
Is requested by the local board of education and accompanied by a certification of supervision from the recognized educator preparation program in which the individual is enrolled.
The individual for whom the license is requested must meet all of the following requirements:
Holds a bachelor's degree.
Has either completed coursework relevant to the requested licensure area or passed the content area examination relevant to the requested licensure area that has been approved by the State Board.
Is enrolled in a recognized educator preparation program.
Meets all other requirements established by the State Board, including completing preservice requirements prior to teaching.
Employment offers for Residency Model teaching candidates is contingent on the verification of enrollment in an approved educator preparation program.
NC Department of Public Instruction Lateral/Residency Model Guidelines:
NC Department of Public Instruction Approved Educator Preparation Programs - www.dpi.state.nc.us/epp/approved/
Public Schools of North Carolina - http://www.ncpublicschools.org/
NC TEACH website – www.ncteach.net
Regional Alternative Licensing Centers (RALC) – www.ralc.ccs.k12.nc.us