Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) offers essential support for new public school teachers in North Carolina seeking certification for their teaching license.
Created in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) as part of the Cultivating Carolina Classrooms initiative, the EPP certificate provides a clear and efficient path to obtaining elementary education licensure.
This program equips aspiring educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the classroom, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their students.
With a focus on practical experience and mentorship, the EPP fosters a community of support for new teachers as they embark on their teaching journey.
Elementary Kindergarten - 6th Grade
The Program
The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) provides comprehensive support for new public school teachers in North Carolina who need a certificate to obtain their teaching license from the state.
Who Can Apply
If you have earned a bachelor’s degree with a 2.7 GPA or higher. The degree must meet the 24 hours of general education required by DPI. Provisional admission may be granted with additional coursework for those whose GPA are less than 2.7.
Application Process
Complete the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) form to determine if you qualify for in-state tuition. You will need your Social Security number and driver’s license number
Create a College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) account. You can use the same username and password for both RDS and CFNC.
https://auth.cfnc.org/Identity/Account/Register
• Click on “Apply to College”
• Go to “Application Hub”
• Click on “Start on Application”
• Enter your RDS Certification number
• For Campus option, select “NCCCS Residency Licensure Program” and/or
“Alternative NC Teaching Licensure: NCCS Cultivating Carolina Classrooms”
• Click Apply
In the “Educator Prep Program” field, select McDowell Technical Community College (you can select up to three community college options. Then complete and submit the application.
After you submit your application, a North Carolina Community College System representative will contact you regarding your next steps.
For more information, contact the Director of Early Childhood Katie Dowdle at 828-652-0654 EXT. 654 or contact us via the form below.
