The initial licensure procedure at UNC Asheville has several components: the Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS II) or General Curriculum Licensure exam scores, successful completion of the Clinical Practice semester (EDU 455 and EDU 456, the final Certification of Teaching Capacity, and all program exit material and NCDPI forms.

Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers –State Licensure Exams

As of July 2014, current law requires that State Licensure Exams be taken for licensure in all areas.  UNC Asheville’s Department of Education requires that a passing score be earned on each test of the State Licensure Exams in order to be recommended for a North Carolina teaching license. 

Teaching Performance

The Certificate of Teaching Capacity is completed by the Mentor Teacher and all criteria must be “met” for the candidate to be licensed. The University Supervisor collects the forms and submits them to the Department of Education. All paperwork from the Teacher Candidate is submitted to the University Supervisor. At end of Clinical Practice, the University Supervisor then submits the following documents to the Licensure Officer.

  • 4 Clinical Practice Observations (completed by Supervisor)
  • Midterm – Review of Certification of Teaching Capacity (not submitted, purpose is to make sure candidate is on track for all “mets” at the end of student teaching)
  • Final Evaluation – Certification of Teaching Capacity (must score all “mets”)
  • MidTerm/Final CPAST Evaluations

Process for Filing for Licensure

Upon successful completion of Clinical Practice, the Licensure Candidate must meet with the Licensure Officer who will guide the candidate through the process of completing the required licensure forms. 

  • The Licensure Candidate will request and send their official Transcripts and Licensure Exam Scores (Praxis II) directly to the Licensure Officer.
  • EPP personnel will conduct an exit interview with each candidate and the candidate will fill out an exit survey about their experiences in the licensure program.
  • The Licensure Candidate will set up and Online Licensure Account through NCDPI. Additional information about the process here.
  • The Licensure Officer will review Licensure Candidates’ academic records and Clinical Practice Evaluations. (CPAST, Certification of Teaching Capacity, edTPA)
  • Background check documentation and letter of explanation must be submitted to the licensure specialist for any charges or convictions.
  • The Licensure Officer’s recommendation will be sent to DPI. 
  • All licensure fees are the responsibility of the Licensure Candidate.
  • Upon approval, DPI will grant the teaching license.

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