Residency License
CONTACT US
For more information about Alternative Licensure, please contact:
109 Speight Building
College of Education
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858
252-328-2700
Fax: 252-737-2998
What is a Residency License?
Prospective students who follow a residency pathway at ECU are individuals currently employed as a teacher of record in a NC More at Four Classroom, Public school, or Public Charter school who have met the minimum of 24 hours in the content they are teaching or passed NC State Board of Education. Licensure Area Exam(s) and must affiliate with an Educator Preparation Provider (EPP).
- Plan of study coursework
- Licensure exam(s) and edTPA required for licensure
- Successful teaching in the classroom.
A residency license is a license renewed each year by the NC Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI) and must be verified to have continued employment and in good standing with an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). To qualify, the individual must:
- be employed or hired as a full-time teacher in an NC More at Four classroom, public school, public charter, or private school.
- have minimum of 24 hours in the content area they teach
- affiliate with an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
The license is valid for one year and maybe renewed twice, allowing candidates a total timeline of three academic years to complete the program.
ECU, as an NC DPI approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), offers multiple residency program options through a fast-track cohort model designed to assist candidates in meeting residency licensure requirements. These residency program options are entirely online to maximize accessibility. Please view our options or contact us for more information.
Residency licensure requirements must be met within the expiration date of the year 3 residency license and include the following:
- plan of study coursework from an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- NC State Board of Education licensure exam(s)
- successful completion of edTPA
ECU’s Office of Alternative Licensure would love to help you on your journey to licensure. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to CONTACT US.
Advantages of choosing ECU as your educator preparation program
Our program options for residency teachers include a fast-track program to assist teachers who hold a Residency License in meeting NC DPI Licensure requirements.
Fully online program to maximize accessibility
All coursework is delivered 100% online to provide maximum flexibility and access for working residency teachers. No campus visits required.
Formal academic advising model
Candidates receive dedicated one-on-one support from an academic advisor. Advising includes personalized course registration, ongoing progress tracking, and proactive guidance to help ensure on-time program completion and licensure readiness.
Affordable tuition rates
Benefit from ECU’s discounted distance education tuition, making professional advancement more affordable without comprising quality.
Structured, career-focused plan of study
Each program follows a carefully designed, fast-track plan of study with built-in milestones and licensure preparation — developed with the needs of residency-licensed educators in mind.
edTPA & licensure exam support
Candidates receive structured edTPA preparation, with submission embedded in the final course of the program. Access to 240Tutoring is provided to support studying for licensure exams, ensuring candidates are well equipped for successful licensure-clearance.
University-issued certificate issued at completion (for certificate licensure areas)
Upon successful completion of program coursework requirements, candidates are awarded an official certificate from East Carolina University. This credential formally recognizes your achievement and can be added to your resume as verification of your professional preparation and commitment to education.
Educator Residency Licensure Areas
- Art K-12
- Birth-Kindergarten
- Business and Informational Technology
- Elementary K-6
- English 9-12
- Family & Consumer Science 7-12
- French K-12
- German K-12
- Health/PE K-12
- History/Social Studies 9-12
- Math 9-12
- Middle Grades: Lang. Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies
- Science 9-12
- Spanish K-12
- Special Education General Curriculum K-12
- Special Education Adapted Curriculum K-12
- Theatre K-12