Lateral Entry is the designation for new teachers who are from outside the public education system but meet specific eligibility requirements.  Individuals who qualify for lateral entry may obtain a teaching position while they begin work on their North Carolina licensure.

NC TEACH is North Carolina's statewide lateral-entry teacher licensure program for professionals from diverse fields—such as industry, government, the military, or human services—who wish to make a career change and move into teaching.

For licensure purposes, lateral-entry teachers are considered to be "beginning teachers" and are required to participate in an "Initial Licensure Program" designed to support new teachers. Once employed, you will be assigned a mentor and will be given an appropriate teaching position.