NC Education Code · Regulation
Title 16 — root / Chapter 06 — SubChapter C
Plain English summary
This subchapter establishes general personnel definitions, licensure procedures, and qualification standards for North Carolina public school employees including teachers, administrators, and school nurses. It covers the SBE's authority to approve teacher education programs at IHEs and award licenses to professional public school employees, with key definitions for terms such as 'convicted,' 'instructional personnel,' and 'professional public school employee.' Notably, a new rule (06C .0110) sets minimum qualifications and training deadlines for school nurses hired on or after July 1, 2025.
Key requirements
- Any person employed or contracted to serve as a school nurse shall be licensed as a registered nurse with at least two years of experience in a hospital or health clinic, OR be certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the National Board for Certification of School Nurses.
- Within six months of starting employment or a contract with a PSU, a school nurse shall complete the School Nurse Orientation Modules offered by DHHS.
- Within two years of starting employment or a contract with a PSU, a school nurse shall complete the School Nurse Roles and Responsibilities course offered by DHHS.
- The person shall provide proof of completion of training requirements to the employing or contracting PSU by the established deadline.
- This Rule applies to school nurses initially hired or contracted for on or after July 1, 2025.
- Any person who desires to obtain employment from a LEA in a professional position shall apply for and obtain a license from the department.
- Each applicant shall file an application together with an official transcript(s), a recommendation by a designated official of the approved IHE where preparation was completed, and the licensure fee specified in G.S. 115C-296(a2).
- Professional personnel may be assigned only to areas in which the individual holds a license, a provisional license, endorsement or provisional endorsement as required by the department.
- A provisional license issued pursuant to Rule .0305(c) shall be valid for one year.
- A lateral entry license issued pursuant to Rule .0305(b) shall be valid for two years.
- The initial license issued pursuant to Rule .0304(c)(1) shall be valid for three years.
- The continuing license issued pursuant to Rule .0304(c)(2) shall be valid for five years.
- Every license shall expire on June 30 unless it is renewed or extended.
- Each IHE that seeks approval for any teacher education program must file with the department a preliminary application.
- The SBE must approve each teacher education program before an IHE may recommend its graduates for licensure.
- Evidence that during the two preceding consecutive years, 70% of the graduates of the IHE have passed the NTE/PRAXIS exams is required for program approval.
- Evidence that during the two preceding consecutive years, 95% of the graduates of the IHE employed by public schools in the State have earned a continuing license is required for program approval.
- The department shall allow no more than six semester hours of correspondence credit per certificate action.
- The SBE shall base its approval on the requirements that are in effect at the time the IHE or the individual applies for approval.
Affected parties
- Professional public school employees
- Teachers
- Administrators
- School nurses
- Instructional aides
- Librarians
- Counselors
- School psychologists
- Principals and assistant principals
- Institutions of higher education (IHEs)
- Local education agencies (LEAs)
- State Board of Education (SBE)
- NC Department of Public Instruction