Beginning Teacher Resources

The Beginning Teacher Licensure Program (BT) is a three-year period of support and assessment for novice teachers. At the end of this period, the teacher is either granted or denied a continuing license based on classroom performance. If a continuing license is granted, it is issued with a five-year dating cycle.

The fundamental purpose of the BT is to offer support for an individual’s professional growth during the first three years of employment. Support consists of the following:

• a mentor
• periodic assessment of skills
• evaluations of performance
• an Professional Development Plan

Participation in the BT is required of teachers with fewer than three years of experience (normally considered to be public school experience). Teachers with three or more years of K-12 public school experience (as determined by the Licensure Section) are normally not required to serve in the BT

The following special service personnel positions do not participate in the BT program:

• student service personnel (media coordinators, counselors)
• administrators
• curriculum-instructional specialists

An out-of-state teacher is not subject to BT requirements, if the teacher:

• has a North Carolina license based on interstate reciprocity or completion of an NCATE-approved education program, and
• Have three or more years of experience (as determined by the Licensure Section).

Staff development experiences during the three-year Beginning Teacher Licensure Program are applicable only to the BT period and may not be applied to future renewal cycles.