The North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards are the basis for teacher preparation, teacher evaluation, and professional development. Each of these will include the skills and knowledge needed for the 21st century teaching and learning.
North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards
North Carolina has adopted Professional Teaching Standards for all educators. The Professional Teaching Standards are:
- Standard 1 - Teachers Demonstrate Leadership
- Standard 2 - Teachers Establish a Respectful Environment for a Diverse Population of Students
- Standard 3 - Teachers Know the Content They Teach
- Standard 4 - Teachers Facilitate Learning for Their Students
- Standard 5 - Teachers Reflect on Their Practice
- Standard 6 - Teachers Contribute to the Academic Success of Students
View the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards document.
Professional Development
Professional development is a licensure requirement - teachers in North Carolina must earn a minimum of 8 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their educator license. CEUs vary from district to district and across content areas.
Professional development supports the NC Professional Teaching Standards in the following ways:
- helps teachers grow in their ability to lead within and outside their classrooms and to be more effective student advocates (Standard 1);
- supports teachers' ability to embrace diversity in their classrooms and communities, meet the individual needs of diverse learners, and collaborate with diverse families (Standard 2);
- helps teachers stay sharp and current in their content knowledge (Standard 3) and pedagogy (Standard 4);
- is an essential component of teachers' cycles of reflection and growth (Standard 5).
Learn more about CEUs, professional development, and teacher licensure renewal in North Carolina.