CMS Teaching Residency
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About
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of students at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS)? If you're eager to inspire and empower the next generation but haven't obtained a teaching license yet, we have an exciting opportunity for you.
Introducing CMS Teaching Residency – an accelerated and cost-effective pathway to start your career as a dedicated CMS teacher. By joining our program, you'll not only bring your unique talents, resilience, and commitment to our vibrant community but also gain the necessary expertise to help students unleash their full potential.
Take the first step towards a rewarding teaching career with CMS Teaching Residency. Make a lasting impact while honing your skills and shaping the future of education. Together, let's create a brighter tomorrow for our students.
Ready to embark on this fulfilling journey?
Apply now and be part of something extraordinary!
Introducing CMS Teaching Residency: Your Path to a Rewarding Teaching Career!
The CMS Teaching Residency offers an alternative route to obtaining a teaching license. Our program focuses on recruiting teachers for specific areas, including:
- Birth through Kindergarten
- Elementary K-6
- Exceptional Children (General and Adaptive Curriculum)
- Multilingual Learner
- Secondary English/Language Arts (Middle & High School)
- Secondary Math (Middle & High School)
- Secondary Science (Middle & High School)
- Secondary History/Social Studies (Middle & High School)
BENEFITS OF CMS TEACHING RESIDENCY
As a resident teacher, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced educators in CMS schools while earning your teaching license through an accelerated program. This unique experience not only allows you to develop and showcase your skills as a teacher but also gives you the chance to network with professionals in the field.
At CMS Teaching Residency, we believe that great teachers are the key to unlocking students' full potential. That's why our program focuses on providing residents with hands-on training and support from experienced mentors who are dedicated to helping them grow into effective educators.
Through our residency program, you'll have the opportunity to learn and apply evidence-based teaching strategies, create engaging lesson plans, and gain valuable classroom management.
To discover more about alternative licensure pathways, simply click here to sign up for the upcoming webinar.
So why wait? The application for the Teacher Alternative Licensure Pathway in all subjects is now open! Click the "How to Apply" tab above!
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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. You can use our testing guide for the areas offered through CMS Teaching Residency. This guide includes titles of the tests you need, passing scores and the links to get you registered.
- Do NOT currently hold a continuing educator's license or certificate in any state.
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Our Training
Our training consists of 3 phases; enrollment, pre-service training and 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.
Phase 1: Enrollment
- The application for the Alternative Licensure Pathway opens in September and closes May 1st.
- Don't wait to apply! You may need to complete testing or GPA Forgiveness, so the sooner you apply the better!
- After you apply, you will be emailed information regarding your eligibility and next steps within 1–2 weeks.
- When you enroll with CMS Teaching Residency you will be sent a welcome & next steps email within a week.
- During the enrollment period, [Sep-May], our team will support you through the following
- Test prep support
- GPA Forgiveness guidance
- Virtual welcome calls
- Modules: Intro to CMS, Knowing your Content, Building a Strong, Equitable and Joyous classroom and What to Expect during Pre-Service Training
- Interview prep and practice, including mock interviews
Phase 2: Pre-service Training
- 5-6 week intensive training led by amazing CMS teachers!
- Spring option [Feb-March] for CMS employees ONLY and for selected content areas. Instruction takes place on Saturdays. Then you take what you learn and implement the strategies into your own classroom where you are already teaching or one assigned to you by your principal.
- Summer option for everyone [June-July] in all content areas. Both in person and virtual. This is an unpaid training session, so plan accordingly! 4 days a week. 8-4.
- Learn Teach Like Champion techniques
- Engage in meaningful dialogue and more around Equity and what that means for you as a teacher.
Both options will provide you the opportunity to 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.
Phase 3: Clinical Residency
- Officially begins once you start teaching in the fall in your own classroom.
- Minimum of 1 school year, but you can have up to 2 more years under a resident license if you haven't completed all the testing requirements.
- Receive progress reports
- Clinical educators assigned to you at your school by your principal for school support
- CMS TR coordinators and specialists are here to support you.
- Graders will provide feedback on your coursework
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CMS Teaching Residency Program Requirements
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Cohort Meeting Attendance and Participation
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Online Coursework
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Ed Teacher Performance Assessment Support Sessions Participation and On-Time Submission
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Administrative Requirements
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Tuition
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- 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.
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How to Apply
The application for the CMS Teaching Residency, Cohort 2025, will close on May 31, 2025.
We are excited that you want to take the next step in making a difference for the students at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. 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!
1. 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:
- Create a FREE TeachNC account. DO THIS FIRST to be eligible!
- 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"
- Log into our CMS Enrollment course [this information comes to you after you enroll]
- Pay your enrollment fee to secure your spot in our program and keep a screenshot of your receipt! The link to pay is on the Enrollment course.
- Click on the following TeachNC link to submit receipt for the enrollment fee reimbursement of $100.
2. CMS APPLICATION
Click here to apply to the Alternative Licensure Pathway for CMS Teaching Residency if you are interested in any of these areas;
- Birth through Kindergarten
- Elementary K-6
- Exceptional Children (General and Adaptive Curriculum)
- Multilingual Learner
- Secondary English/Language Arts (Middle & High School)
- Secondary Math (Middle & High School)
- Secondary Science (Middle & High School)
- Secondary History/Social Studies (Middle & High School)
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
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What will my salary be?
Once you have secured a teaching position, residents will earn the same salary and benefits as other CMS teachers. For more information, see the CMS teacher salary schedules.
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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:
- Create a FREE TeachNC account be sure to do this first to be eligible!
- 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.
- 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"
- Click on the following TeachNC link and submit receipt for the enrollment fee, so TeachNC will pay you back up to $100!
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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.
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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.
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When will I be fully certified to teach?
Residents will receive a Residency License upon successful completion of pre-service training and a Professional License once all program, district and state requirements are met. This includes all required state exams and edTPA. This can take as little as a year or no more than 3 years total, depending on your eligibility.
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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.
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How do I know what test is required for the area I am interested in teaching?
You can click here to see the testing information. It is best to take the test as soon as possible. Once you enroll with us, we will offer you resources to help you study!
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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.
