NCTeach

Changing Careers

Why become a lateral entry teacher in North Carolina?

North Carolina is experiencing an unprecedented demand for additional public school teachers. In fact, over the next ten years North Carolina public schools will need over 100,000 new teachers. This year alone, it is expected that more than 12,500 teachers will be hired in NC.

Although the need is greatest in math, science and special education, it extends beyond this, with a demand for teachers in all grade levels, in all subject areas, and in all locales—from the coast to the mountains and everywhere in between.

While traditional teaching programs at colleges and universities continue to help fill many new positions, these programs cannot completely satisfy the urgent and growing demand for new teaching professionals. As a result, we need to look beyond traditional sources. We look to individuals with recent college degrees, military professionals and retirees who wish to enter the teaching profession. We also look to mid-career professionals in business to help us meet the need for new teachers.

As a current or former professional in business, industry or military, you bring a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience to our classrooms.You provide students with real-world examples and global perspectives in addition to strong content knowledge in the subject area you wish to teach.

You will make a difference as a teacher in North Carolina. Join NC TEACH and allow us to provide you with the teacher training and support you need to thrive in the classroom. Please see what NC TEACH alumni have to say about their experience changing careers by visiting our NC TEACHer Feature section

What does it take to be a successful teacher?

Success in teaching, as in most areas of life, depends almost entirely on your attitude and your approach. The most successful teachers share some common characteristics. Here are some important qualities to have and/or foster to become a successful teacher:

Positive Attitude
Flexibility
Patience
Good Time Management
Organized
Sense of Humor
Consistency
Fairness
High Expectations for your Students

The following are comments about changing careers from NC TEACHers:
	“NC TEACH seemed to capture the heart of what I wanted to do as a teacher. I had talked with some people who had been through it (NC TEACH) and found that it offers a great support system, even after graduates get through the program. It offers a very practical foundation for teaching, not just a theory.”
	“NC TEACH provides a great crash course in getting mid-level professionals ready to step into the classroom. With that preparation, I entered the classroom with a behavior management program in hand and two months worth of lesson plans ready to go. It was a really good start.”
	“You do work very hard. Teaching will challenge you intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I should have done this 15 years ago.”