CMS Teaching Residency

About

Are you ready to make a difference for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) students but don't yet have a teaching license? CMS Teaching Residency is an accelerated, affordable path to becoming a full-time CMS teacher. You'll bring your talent, grit, and dedication to our community and we'll help you master the skills you need to help students unlock their full potential.

CMS Teaching Residency is one option for an alternative route to licensure. Our program specifically recruits teachers for the following areas; middle and high school math, middle and high school science, middle and high school English/Language Arts, middle and high school social studies, elementary, Exceptional Children General Curriculum(ECGC), Exceptional Children Adapted Curriculum (ECAC) and multi-lingual learner (formerly ESL). If you want to learn more about alternative licensure pathways, you can click here to register for the upcoming webinar.

The application for the Teacher Alternative Licensure Pathway for all subjects is now open! Click here to apply today
We Want You
CMS Teaching Residency residents come from all corners of the city and beyond - from current CMS paraprofessionals and substitute teachers who already work in our classrooms; recent college graduates looking to build a career in Charlotte; to experienced professionals from other fields who want to help shape the next generation of leaders and innovators. These three core values unite them:
- BELIEF in our students: Residents believe all students can learn and achieve at high levels, regardless of the challenges they face outside the classroom.
- DETERMINATION to achieve goals: Faced with challenges, residents model the grit and persistence their students will need to overcome obstacles and stay on the path to success in college or a career.
- PROVEN ABILITY to inspire change: Residents can rally students and families around ambitious learning goals.
We train residents to work in the grades and subject areas where they're needed most, and we provide them with the skills and knowledge to help them succeed. You can learn more about one of our former residents' experiences here.

To be eligible for CMS Teaching Residency,
- Hold a bachelor's degree
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.7 from your undergrad coursework, graduate coursework, or a combination of both. Applicants with a GPA below 2.7 can satisfy this requirement through GPA forgiveness. A GPA forgiveness program involves taking two classes through college/university or online college courses that have been approved by CMS Teaching Residency, and earning a 2.7 or greater in each class. Both classes need to be completed with a 2.7 GPA or greater before attending the pre-service training and teaching under a resident license.
- Meet all legal requirements to work in the United States.
- Have at least 24 hours of relevant coursework determined by the licensure department OR take and pass all state-required exams for your licensure area.
- Do NOT currently hold a continuing educator's license or certificate in any state.
- See below for more information regarding eligibility requirements
Our Training

Our training consists of 3 phases; enrollment, pre-service training and the school year "clinical residency" all focusing on the most important skills you'll need to be a successful teacher, now and for years to come. Our team supports residents in learning how to build a strong classroom culture and engage students in challenging lessons. You'll also receive personalized instructional support as well as support for testing/edTPA and coursework throughout your first year in the classroom. We'll provide everything you need—no extra degree programs are required.

During enrollment, our team will support you through test prep and other activities to prepare you for pre-service training and your "clinical residency." As a residency candidate, you will experience a 5-week pre-service training where you'll practice these skills under the guidance of experienced CMS teacher leaders. Because we believe all CMS students deserve effective teachers, you'll need to show that you're on the way to mastering core instructional skills during pre-service training to maintain enrollment and continue into your "clinical residency" as a full-time teacher.

In order to convert your Residency License to your full professional teaching license, you must pass all program, district, and state requirements. This includes taking and passing all state-required certification tests within the provided state timelines. For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at cmsteachingresidency@cms.k12.nc.us.
How to Apply
The CMS Teaching Residency application for Cohort 2024 is now open!

We are excited that you want to take the next step in making a difference for Charlotte's students. CMS's recruitment team is ready to support you in becoming a full-time CMS teacher. You'll bring your talent, grit, and dedication to our community and we'll help you master the skills you need to help students unlock their full potential. If you're passionate about being a part of the movement to increase student outcomes, join us!

BEFORE applying, take a few minutes to create a TeachNC account so that you can receive $100 back after paying the enrollment fee. After you create this account with TeachNC, then apply to CMS Teaching Residency. Once you enroll with us and log into the enrollment course, you can pay your enrollment fee. After you pay your enrollment fee submit that receipt to TeachNC so they can send $100 right back to you. Follow the steps below to ensure you get your $100 enrollment fee reimbursement:
1. Create a FREE TeachNC account DO THIS FIRST to be eligible!
2. Submit your application for CMS Teaching Residency. Once licensure sends your enrollment link, complete the form and wait for an email from CMS Teaching Residency saying "CMS Teaching Residency Welcome & Next Steps"
3. Pay your enrollment fee to secure your spot in our program and keep a screenshot of your receipt!
4. Click on the following TeachNC link to submit receipt for the enrollment fee reimbursement. TeachNC will pay you back up to $100!
CMS APPLICATION

Click here to apply to the Alternative Liensure Pathway for CMS Teaching Residency if you are interested in any of these areas;

Elementary, ECGC (Exceptional Children General Curriculum), ECAC (Exceptional Children Adaptive Curriculum), middle or high school math, middle or high school science, middle or high school English Language Arts, middle or high school social studies or Multilingual learner, APPLY early so you can begin the enrollment process for CMS Teaching Residency. You may need to take and pass the state content test(s) or complete a class.

CMS Teaching Residency Online Application Instructions

Application Process

Please note these instructions before applying:

Eligibility

You must meet these requirements to apply for CMS Teaching Residency:
- Hold a bachelor's degree
- Have at least a 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale OR enroll in a GPA Forgiveness Program.
- Be eligible to work in the US
- Must not hold a North Carolina teaching license or certification from any state
- Have 24 hours of relevant coursework OR take and pass all required state exams
Application Process

Make sure the "Applicant Type" has "Instructional" at the top of the application
- To change if needed, click "Change Type" and check "Instructional."
- Click on each page of the application to ensure all information and requirements are completed and up to date!
- If you already have a CMS application started or completed, log in and select "My Application" and review to ensure the below requirements are completed.
- Upload official degree-dated transcripts from EVERY college attended, including all transfer credits, community college, baccalaureate, and post-baccalaureate coursework, to the "Attachments" section of the application.
- Once you complete the application, apply to the Alternative Teacher Pathway All Areas
- Licensure will provide information regarding your eligibility and a link to enroll with CMS Teaching Residency.
- CMSTR will email you the next steps to get ready for pre-service training.
- Be sure to check emails and read newsletters when we send them!
If you have questions, please email cmsteachingresidency@cms.k12.nc.us

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to apply to the program?
To be eligible for CMS Teaching Residency, you must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.7 from your undergrad coursework, graduate coursework or a combination of both
- Have 24 hours of relevant coursework OR passing test scores for all state-required exams for your licensure area
- Meet all legal requirements to work in the United States
This licensure program is for beginning teachers with no current continuing teaching license or certification.

*If you do not have a GPA of 2.7 or higher, there are available GPA Forgiveness Programs which you can research online.
How long does the program last?
This program is at a minimum of 13 months, which includes an intensive 5-week pre-service training. Pre-service training is conducted on a blended platform (virtual and in person) and is an unpaid experience. There are 2 options for pre-service training; February-March (which is ONLY for current CMS employees seeking licensure in the areas of elementary, ECGC, ECAC &ML) and June-July, which is for all candidates seeking licensure in any of the content areas within CMS Teaching Residency (see below). Pre-service training is followed by a year-long clinical residency as a full-time teacher, including instructional support, testing support and online coursework. Two additional years can be provided if needed to meet the state testing requirements.
- Elementary
- Secondary ELA (middle grades & high school)
- Secondary Science (middle grades & high school)
- Secondary Math (middle grades & high school)
- Secondary Social Studies (middle grades & high school)
- Multilingual Learner (formerly ESL)
- ECGC- Exceptional Children General Curriculum
- ECAC - Exceptional Children Adapted Curriculum
How much does the program cost?
- Tuition for CMS Teaching Residency is $2000.00.
- There is a Non-Refundable Enrollment fee of $250.00 for CMS internal applicants and $500.00 for external candidates, which will be applied to your tuition balance that is due during your "clinical residency." However, if you are a current employee, you will need to have your enrollment fee of $250 paid in order to be declared for the following school year.
- Testing: State-required certification tests start at about $140 per test and vary depending on the exam. For more information about which exams you'll need to take, download our testing guide at the bottom of this webpage.
- edTPA: The application fee of $300 is for the state-required portfolio process. There may be additional fees if you need to resubmit a part of your portfolio. Registration takes place in October/November.
What will my salary be?
Is there financial support?
Candidates accepted into CMS Teaching Residency may be eligible for financial support through CMS Foundation. These are not scholarships you apply for. CMS Foundation secures funds from private donors each year and then determines the scholarship eligibility and amount based on the amount of funds received along with the program vision and goals. We usually have the scholarship information ready to share at the start of school for all recipients. We will share this information during our cohort meetings, newsletters, and email when it becomes available to us in the fall, the start of your program.

HOWEVER, you can get up to $100 reimbursed to you for the cost of applying and enrolling in our program from our friends at TeachNC. All you have to do is create a TeachNC account before you submit your application to our residency program. After you pay your enrollment fee to CMS Teaching Residency, submit that receipt to TeachNC and they’ll send up to $100 right back to you! Follow the steps below BEFORE applying to CMS Teaching Residency:
1. Create a FREE TeachNC account be sure to do this first to be eligible!
2. Complete the enrollment form for CMS Teaching Residency sent from licensure after applying to the Alternative License Pathway job posting. Receive the "welcome email" from CMS Teaching Residency that says "congratulations" you are enrolled in CMS Teaching Residency.
3. Pay your enrollment fee to secure your spot in our program! Keep a screenshot of your receipt and the email from CMS Teaching Residency saying "Congratulations"
4. Click on the following TeachNC link and submit receipt for the enrollment fee, so TeachNC will pay you back up to $100!
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, interview, and be selected by individual principals. Since the residency focuses on specific subject areas in high demand across the district, we expect the residents who successfully complete pre-service training to 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 position until you have been cleared as eligible. Teaching positions are usually posted in the spring for the upcoming school year, so it is in your best interest to prioritize preparing for and taking your required tests as early as possible.
What will I teach?
For the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, we're recruiting for
- Elementary K-6
- Secondary math (MG & HS)
- Secondary science (MG & HS)
- Secondary ELA/English (MG & HS)
- Secondary social studies (MG & HS)
- Exceptional Children General Curriculum (ECGC) K-12
- Exceptional Children Adaptive Curriculum (ECAC) K-12
- Multilingual Learner (formerly known as ESL) K-12
You will be asked to give your preference for subject area through your CMSTR enrollment process. In addition, you will be provided guidance for testing requirements, etc.
When will I be fully certified to teach?
Will I be able to work during summer pre-service training?

You will only be able to work weekends or evenings since training runs Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on some Fridays. Participation is mandatory and part of the state-approved program. This is unpaid training, so you will need to plan accordingly. Training will be a blended learning experience, which means there will be some face-day days and some virtual training sessions. We will most likely not have the schedule available until June 1.
How do I know what test is required for the area I am interested in teaching?
What if I have an expired lateral entry license, and did not met the coursework and testing requirements to convert to a Continuing Professional License (CPL)?

If you are seeking licensure in the SAME area previously as the expired Lateral Entry license you will have to take and pass ALL state-required exams for that licensure area to be eligible for the residency. If you meet the 24-hour relevant coursework requirement for a residency license in a DIFFERENT area than the previous Lateral Entry license, you can enroll and participate in CMS Teaching Residency in the new licensure area. Regardless of the way you qualify, you will be starting your licensure process over, which means you will have to complete coursework, testing (including edTPA during your first year), and other program, district, and state requirements.

CMS Teaching Residency

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to apply to the program?

How long does the program last?

How much does the program cost?

What will my salary be?

Is there financial support?

If I'm admitted to the program, am I guaranteed a job?

What will I teach?

When will I be fully certified to teach?

Will I be able to work during summer pre-service training?

How do I know what test is required for the area I am interested in teaching?

What if I have an expired lateral entry license, and did not met the coursework and testing requirements to convert to a Continuing Professional License (CPL)?