North Carolina

Professional Teaching Standards

Commission

"For every student in North Carolina,

a knowledgeable, skilled compassionate teacher...

a star in every classroom"

The NC Professional Teaching Standards Commission, speaking with the voice of classroom teachers and the professionals who support and prepare teachers, welcomes the responsibility for setting, monitoring, reviewing and revising standards for entering and continuing in the teaching profession. The Commission maintains realistic standards that are rigorous, equitable, flexible and dynamic.

The Commission's standards are aligned with state, regional, and national standards for teaching. They mesh with standards for teacher preparation, professional development, and student achievement. In developing and establishing standards for the teaching profession, the Commission promotes communication and collaboration among all who have interest in teaching and learning in North Carolina.

The purpose of setting high and rigorous standards for the teaching profession is to ensure that teachers have the skills, knowledge and experiences necessary to prepare youth to thrive in a complex, dynamic, global, multicultural society. Setting high standards for teachers is necessary but not sufficient to reach this goal. The Commission advocates for appropriate conditions in our schools and classrooms which will enable highly skilled teachers to educate every child.