How to Become a Teacher in North Carolina

Do you enjoy working with children and watching their eyes light up when they learn something new and make exciting connections? Are you passionate about shaping young minds and positively impacting future generations? A career in teaching might be just what you're looking for. Whether you're considering a career change or are a recent high school graduate eager to embark on your professional journey, becoming a teacher in North Carolina offers a fulfilling path with various opportunities for growth and development. Let's dive into the steps you must take to start your teaching career and discover the Early Childhood Education programs at Durham Technical Community College.

Which Early Childhood Education Program is for You?

Before delving into the steps to become a teacher, it's essential to determine which Early Childhood Education program aligns with your goals and aspirations. Durham Tech offers a comprehensive range of programs catered to different career paths.

Whether you want to run your daycare, work as a teacher's aide, teach PreK, or even work in non-school settings, we offer programs that will give you the confidence and skills to work with children from infancy through 8 years old or transfer to university for further training. Use our ECE Program Decision Chart to find the perfect fit for you.

Steps to Become a Teacher

The exact steps you will follow will depend on your career path, but we want to give a general overview of what you should expect when pursuing a career teaching young children.

Educational Requirements

The first step towards becoming a teacher is obtaining the necessary education. Most public teaching positions require a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Durham Tech offers an array of courses in Early Childhood Education, providing you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work with young children or transfer into a bachelor's program, all while excelling in this rewarding profession.

Licensure Process

After completing your education, you must obtain licensure or certification to teach in North Carolina. This typically involves applying for a teaching license through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). Durham Tech's Early Childhood Education programs prepare you for various early childhood certifications or transferring to a degree that will lead to licensure by equipping you with the expertise required to meet state standards.

Examination and Certification

You may need to pass exams such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis Subject Assessments as part of the licensure process. These tests assess your knowledge of fundamental academic skills and subject-specific content.

Practical Training

Hands-on experience is invaluable in education. Durham Tech's Early Childhood Education program includes practical training components, allowing you to gain real-world experience working with children in educational settings. This practical training enhances your skills and prepares you for the demands of a teaching career.

Explore Early Childhood Education Courses

If you're ready to explore Early Childhood Education, we encourage you to explore Durham Tech's varied Early Childhood Education certificate and degree options. We have various courses designed to meet your educational needs and career goals. Whether you're interested in child development, curriculum planning, or classroom management, our comprehensive curriculum has you covered.

Begin Your Early Childhood Education Journey with Durham Tech

Are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a teacher? Start your Early Childhood Education journey with Durham Technical Community College. Our dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on learning opportunities ensure you receive the quality education and training you need to succeed in your teaching career. Apply now and embark on a rewarding path of shaping young minds and making a difference in the lives of children.