CMS Teaching Residency FAQ's

Teacher Residency: Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to apply to the program?
To apply for the CMS Teaching Residency, you must hold a bachelor’s degree, meet all legal requirements to work in the United States, and have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7. This is a licensure program for new teachers only with no prior experience in educator preparation programs – you cannot have a current teaching license (in any state), have completed a program that could have led to licensure, or have an expired license. If accepted into the program, you’ll also need to plan to take state-required certification tests before you begin training and pass these tests and summer training to be eligible to teach in the fall.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition: The tuition amount for cohort 2019 has not been finalized. The Residency is an affordable pathway to licensure in comparison with other programs.
Testing: You’ll also be responsible for paying fees to take state-required certification tests, which start at about $140 per test and vary depending on the exam. For more information about which exams you’ll need to take, see our testing guide.
edTPA: Another state requirement is to complete the edTPA portfolio process. You are responsible for the application fee of $300, and any additional fees should you need to resubmit a part of your portfolio.
Other Fees: There may also be minimal costs (less than $100) for coursework materials. We will notify you in advance of any books or resources you need to purchase.

How long does the program last?
Residents participate in six weeks of intensive summer training beginning in mid-June. This training is an unpaid experience, and a typical day during training could last from 7am to 6pm. Most residents find that they are not able to hold a job in conjunction with training. For this reason, we encourage you to prepare in advance for these few weeks over the summer. Summer training is followed by ongoing coaching and online coursework throughout a resident’s first year in the classroom.

When will I be fully certified to teach?
Residents will receive a Residency License upon successful completion of summer training, and an Initial Professional License upon successful completion of their first year of full-time teaching (including passing all state-required certification exams and meeting all of the program’s requirements and performance standards).

What will I teach?
For the upcoming 2019-2020 school year, we’re recruiting for elementary grades and for secondary math and English language arts (middle school and high school). On your application, you will be asked to give your preference for subject area.

If I’m admitted to the program, am I guaranteed a job?
Like all prospective CMS teachers, residents will need to apply for open teaching positions that fit their interests and qualifications and be selected by individual principals. But because the Residency focuses on grades and subject areas that are in high demand across the district, we expect residents who successfully complete summer training will be strong candidates for many positions. Our team will also provide resources and support to help residents navigate the hiring process. Keep in mind that you will not be eligible to apply for or interview for any teaching positions until you have been cleared as eligible. Teaching positions are usually posted in April for the upcoming school year, so it is it in your best interest to prioritize preparing for and taking your required tests as early as possible.

What will my salary be?

Once they’ve secured a teaching position, residents will earn the same salary and benefits as other CMS teachers. For more information, see the CMS teacher pay schedule.

What are office hours if I want to call or come by to ask questions?

CMS Teaching Residency office hours will begin once the application for cohort 2019 launches in the fall. If you have questions before then, please sign up for our mailing list or email us at cmsteachingresidency@cms.k12.nc.us.

Will I receive a lateral entry license?

As of July 28, 2017, there is a new law that changes alternative licensure in NC. A new alternative license for prospective teachers, named a residency license, will replace lateral entry. Residents of CMS Teaching Residency will receive a residency license. Eventually, lateral entry licensure will be phased out and eliminated. Lateral entry licenses will continue to be issued through June 30, 2019, and individuals who hold a valid lateral entry license on or before this date will be allowed three school years to complete requirements to convert the lateral entry license to a continuing license. We encourage you to visit the CMS Lateral Entry page for more information if you are interested in this alternative route.