About the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program
For decades, North Carolina Teaching Fellows has empowered outstanding students to become transformative educators. Reestablished in 2017, the program focuses on high-need areas like STEM, special education, and low-performing schools – where strong teachers can make the greatest impact.
We invest in you. You invest in the future.
Program Benefits
Preparation that sets you apart
Study at one of ten exceptional educator preparation programs across North Carolina – each nationally recognized for developing excellent, career-ready teachers.
Preparation that sets you apart
Receive up to $5,000 per semester in forgivable loans to cover tuition, books, and fees at your chosen institution.
Preparation that sets you apart
Access exclusive experiences designed to elevate your teaching, from leadership seminars to hands-on classroom opportunities.
A statewide community
Connect with Fellows and alumni who share your calling. Through workshops, networking, and shared experiences, you’ll join a community built on collaboration and lifelong support.
A legacy of excellence
Receive up to $5,000 per semester in forgivable loans to cover tuition, books, and fees at your chosen institution.
Ongoing professional growth
Through individualized coaching and ongoing professional development from the New Teacher Support Program, you’ll continue growing as a teacher long after graduation.
What is a forgivable loan?
Teaching Fellows receive up to $5,000 per semester to cover tuition, books, and fees at your chosen institution. In return, Fellows commit to teaching in a North Carolina public school — one year for each year the award was received. Once that service requirement is met, the loan is fully forgiven, and no repayment is required.
Who should apply?
The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program offers a variety of pathways to obtain a teacher licensure.
High School Seniors
North Carolina high school seniors interested in entering a teacher preparation program at an NCTF partner institution.
- Eligible for up to 8 semesters (4 years) of funding
- NC High School Diploma (NC public, public charter, private, or home school) required
- High school transcript is required for students dual enrolled or enrolled at an early college
External Transfer Students
Students applying to transfer to an educator preparation program at an NCTF partner institution.
- Eligible for up to 6 semesters (3 years) of funding
Internal Transfer Students
Students already enrolled at an NCTF partner institution who are transitioning into an educator preparation program.
- Eligible for up to 4 semesters (2 years) of funding
- Candidates already admitted to teacher preparation programs must have a GPA of at least 2.75. Finances should be a determining factor before applying.
Post-Bachelor Applicants
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree pursuing preparation for teacher licensure at an NCTF partner institution.
- Options include Master of Arts in Teaching or certification programs
- Eligible for up to 4 semesters (2 years) of funding
Eligible Licensures
STEM Education
Eligible content areas include middle or high school agriculture, science, technology, engineering, or math education.
Special Education
Eligible licensures include K-12 General or Adaptive Curriculum.
Elementary Education
Traditional K-5 Classroom licensure is eligible. Note: The licensure includes K-6 but only the content areas listed above are eligible for repayment for grade six.
Contact repay@ncseaa.edu with any questions regarding qualifying content areas.