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°ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency residents come from all corners of the city and beyond - from current °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵparaprofessionals and substitute teachers who already work in our classrooms; recent college graduates looking to build a career in Charlotte; to experienced professionals from other fields who want to help shape the next generation of leaders and innovators. These three core values unite them:

• BELIEF in our students: Residents believe all students can learn and achieve at high levels, regardless of the challenges they face outside the classroom.
• DETERMINATION to achieve goals: Faced with challenges, residents model the grit and persistence their students will need to overcome obstacles and stay on the path to success in college or a career.
• PROVEN ABILITY to inspire change: Residents can rally students and families around ambitious learning goals.

We train residents to work in the grades and subject areas where they're needed most, and we provide them with the skills and knowledge to help them succeed. You can learn more about one of our former residents' experiences .

To be eligible for °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency,

• Hold a bachelor's degree
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.7 from your undergrad coursework, graduate coursework, or a combination of both.   Applicants with a GPA below 2.7 can satisfy this requirement through GPA forgiveness.  A GPA forgiveness program involves taking two classes through college/university or online college courses that have been approved by °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency, and earning a 2.7 or greater in each class.  Both classes need to be completed with a 2.7 GPA or greater before attending the pre-service training and teaching under a resident license. 
• Meet all legal requirements to work in the United States.
• Have at least 24 hours of relevant coursework determined by the licensure department or take and pass all state-required exams for your licensure area. You can use our  for the areas offered through °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency.  This guide includes titles of the tests you need, passing scores and the links to get you registered. 
• Do NOT currently hold a continuing educator's license or certificate in any state.

Our training consists of 3 phases; enrollment, pre-service training and clinical residency, all focusing on the most important skills you'll need to be a successful teacher, now and for years to come. Our team supports residents in learning how to build a strong classroom culture and engage students in challenging lessons. You'll also receive personalized instructional support as well as support for testing/edTPA and coursework throughout your first year in the classroom. We'll provide everything you need—no extra degree programs are required.

Phase 1: Enrollment

• The application for the Alternative Licensure Pathway opens in September and closes May 1st.
• Don't wait to apply!  You may need to complete testing or GPA Forgiveness, so the sooner you apply the better!  
• After you apply, you will be emailed information regarding your eligibility and next steps within 1–2 weeks. 
• When you enroll with °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency you will be sent a welcome & next steps email within a week.   
• During the enrollment period, [Sep-May], our team will support you through the following 
  • Test prep support 
  • GPA Forgiveness guidance 
  • Virtual welcome calls 
  • Modules: Intro to CMS, Knowing your Content, Building a Strong, Equitable and Joyous classroom and What to Expect during Pre-Service Training 
  • Interview prep and practice, including mock interviews 

Phase 2: Pre-service Training 

• 5-6 week intensive training led by amazing °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵteachers! 
  • Spring option [Feb-March] for °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵemployees ONLY and for selected content areas.  Instruction takes place on Saturdays.  Then you take what you learn and implement the strategies into your own classroom where you are already teaching or one assigned to you by your principal.  
  • Summer option for everyone [June-July] in all content areas.  Both in person and virtual.  This is an unpaid training session, so plan accordingly!  4 days a week. 8-4.  
• Learn Teach Like Champion techniques 
• Engage in meaningful dialogue and more around Equity and what that means for you as a teacher. 

Both options will provide you the opportunity to practice these skills under the guidance of experienced °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵteacher leaders. Because we believe all °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵstudents deserve effective teachers, you'll need to show that you're on the way to mastering core instructional skills during pre-service training to maintain enrollment and continue into your "clinical residency" as a full-time teacher. 

Phase 3: Clinical Residency 

• Officially begins once you start teaching in the fall in your own classroom.
• Minimum of 1 school year, but you can have up to 2 more years under a resident license if you haven't completed all the testing requirements. 
• Receive progress reports 
• Clinical educators assigned to you at your school by your principal for school support 
• °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTR coordinators and specialists are here to support you. 
• Graders will provide feedback on your coursework 

• °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency Program Requirements 

  1. Cohort Meeting Attendance and Participation 

  2. Online Coursework

  3. Ed Teacher Performance Assessment Support Sessions Participation and On-Time Submission

  4. Administrative Requirements 

  5. Tuition

• In order to convert your Residency License to your full professional teaching license, you must pass all program, district, and state requirements. This includes taking and passing all state-required certification tests within the provided state timelines. For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at cmsteachingresidency@cms.k12.nc.us. 

The °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency application for Cohort 2024 will be closing May 1st 2024!  

We are excited that you want to take the next step in making a difference for the students at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. CMS's recruitment team is ready to support you in becoming a full-time °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵteacher. You'll bring your talent, grit, and dedication to our community, and we'll help you master the skills you need to help students unlock their full potential. If you're passionate about being a part of the movement to increase student outcomes, join us!

1. BEFORE applying, take a few minutes to create a TeachNC account so that you can receive $100 back after paying the enrollment fee.  After you create this account with TeachNC, then apply to °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency.  Once you enroll with us and log into the enrollment course, you can pay your enrollment fee.  After you pay your enrollment fee, submit that receipt to TeachNC, so they can send $100 right back to you.  Follow the steps below to ensure you get your $100 enrollment fee reimbursement:

1. Create a FREE DO THIS FIRST to be eligible!
2. Submit your application for °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency. Once licensure sends your enrollment link, complete the form and wait for an email from °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency saying "°ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency Welcome & Next Steps" 
3. Log into our °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵEnrollment course [this information comes to you after you enroll] 
4. Pay your enrollment fee to secure your spot in our program and keep a screenshot of your receipt!  The link to pay is on the Enrollment course. 
5. Click on the following TeachNC link to or the enrollment fee reimbursement of $100. 

2. °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵAPPLICATION

Click to apply to the Alternative Licensure Pathway for °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency if you are interested in any of these areas;  

• Middle and high school math
• Middle and high school science
• Middle and high school English/Language Arts
• Middle and high school social studies
• Elementary K-6  
• Exceptional Children General Curriculum(ECGC)
• Exceptional Children Adapted Curriculum (ECAC)
• Multilingual learner (formerly ESL) 

 APPLY early, so you can begin the enrollment process for °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency.  You may need to take and pass the state content test(s) or complete a class.  

°ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency Online Application Instructions

Application Process

Please note these instructions before applying:

Eligibility

You must meet these requirements to apply for °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency:

• Hold a bachelor's degree
• Have at least a 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale or enroll in a GPA Forgiveness Program. 
• Be eligible to work in the US
• Must not hold a North Carolina teaching license or certification from any state
• Have 24 hours of relevant coursework or take and pass all required state exams

Application Process

Make sure the "Applicant Type" has "Instructional" at the top of the application

• To change if needed, click "Change Type" and check "Instructional."
• Click on each page of the application to ensure all information and requirements are completed and up to date!
• If you already have a °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵapplication started or completed, log in and select "My Application" and review to ensure the below requirements are completed.
• Upload official degree-dated transcripts from EVERY college attended, including all transfer credits, community college, baccalaureate, and post-baccalaureate coursework, to the "Attachments" section of the application.
• Once you complete the application, apply to the Alternative Teacher Pathway All Areas 
• Licensure will provide information regarding your eligibility and a link to enroll with °ÅÀÖ¶ÌÊÓƵTeaching Residency.
• CMSTR will email you the next steps to get ready for pre-service training.
• Be sure to check emails and read newsletters when we send them!

If you have questions, please email cmsteachingresidency@cms.k12.nc.us