The Craven County Beginning Teacher Support Program is dedicated to building the capacity of new teachers to ensure high levels of student achievement. Our comprehensive model recognizes that learning to teach is a continuous cycle of planning, teaching, analyzing data, and reflecting.
We are committed to providing seamless layers of support that strengthen teacher self-efficacy, instructional practice, and professional growth. Through ongoing professional development, mentoring, and program evaluation, we promote teacher recruitment and retention while cultivating a culture of instructional excellence. By equipping beginning teachers with the tools to reflect, refine, and lead, we invest in their long-term success—and in unlocking the full potential of every student they serve.
Entering the teaching profession in North Carolina involves navigating a variety of licensure pathways, each with specific requirements, timelines, and responsibilities. Understanding these pathways is critical for new educators, mentors, and school leaders to ensure compliance with state policies and to support the professional growth of beginning teachers.
All beginning teachers must actively participate in and complete the district’s Beginning Teacher Support Program (BTSP), which provides structured guidance, mentoring, and professional development during the early years of teaching. At the same time, teachers must work toward meeting state licensure requirements based on the type of license they hold at the time of hire. Licensure categories include the Initial Professional License (IPL), Permit to Teach License (PTTL), Emergency License (EL), and Residency License (RL). Each pathway carries unique expectations for coursework, exams, portfolios, and continuous enrollment in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), if applicable.
This guide is designed to provide a clear overview of:
License Types – A breakdown of available licensure categories and their purpose.
Requirements – The qualifications necessary to obtain or maintain each license.
Key Tasks by Year – A year-by-year outline of responsibilities, exams, coursework, and portfolio expectations for each pathway.
Progression to Initial Professional License (IPL) – The ultimate goal for beginning teachers, achieved upon completion of program requirements, exams, and portfolio assessments.
While many teachers complete requirements within the traditional three-year window, some licenses require an additional year of support and coursework. This resource is intended to serve as both a roadmap and a checklist, ensuring beginning teachers, mentors, and administrators stay aligned on expectations at each stage of the licensure journey.
Supports
240 Tutoring (free for teachers contact the Beginning Teacher Coordinators)
2026-2027 Craven County Beginning Teacher of the Year
Ms. Michelle Cousineau
Craven County Schools is proud to announce Ms. Michelle Cousineau, a second-year sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at West Craven Middle School, as the district’s 2026–2027 Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Cousineau has quickly distinguished herself through her professionalism, passion, initiative, and genuine commitment to her students. She approaches teaching with purpose, curiosity, and care, keeping both the academic and social growth of her students at the center of her work.
A reflective educator, Ms. Cousineau actively seeks opportunities to grow. She collaborates with grade-level colleagues and specialists, seeks curriculum support, and embraces feedback as an opportunity to strengthen her practice. She thoughtfully plans instruction, navigates challenges with composure and grace, and brings creativity to her classroom through engaging learning experiences such as learning stations and student debates. Her commitment to building strong relationships with students is also evident in the safe, supportive classroom environment she creates. As her mentor, Mrs. Jessica Manning, shares, “Ms. Cousineau creates a place of comfort, trust, and reassurance for each student that walks through the doors of her classroom.”
One philosophy that has guided Ms. Cousineau’s growth as an educator is to “be a sponge”—to listen, learn, and remain open to the guidance of those around her while thoughtfully determining what works best for her students and her own teaching style. She believes that learning from others is essential, but so is reflecting on that advice and making it her own. This mindset has allowed her to build meaningful connections throughout her school community, continually expand her knowledge, and grow into a confident and intentional educator.
Her dedication is reflected in the relationships Ms. Cousineau builds and the care she brings to her work each day. She continues to develop her voice and style as an educator while embracing the joy and responsibility of teaching.
“Michelle exemplifies the qualities we hope to see in a beginning teacher,” shares Necia Swain and Lakecia Brown, CCS Beginning Teacher Coordinators. “Her talent, initiative, humility, and dedication to students make her an outstanding representative of Craven County Schools and a deserving Beginning Teacher of the Year.”
Please join Craven County Schools in congratulating Ms. Michelle Cousineau, the 2026–2027 Beginning Teacher of the Year!
2026-2027 Promise of Potential Awardees
Each month, one Beginning Teacher will be recognized as our Promise of Potential Awardee. This recognition celebrates educators who are unlocking their potential through dedication, growth, and a positive impact on students and colleagues. Our awardees embody the promise of excellence in teaching and inspire others through their commitment to learning and leadership. In addition to being highlighted as our monthly honoree, the recipient will also receive a special surprise gift as a token of appreciation for the difference they are making in our schools. Administrators, mentors and colleagues will have the opportunity to nominate the teacher using the Nomination Form.
2026-2027 Southeast Mentor Teacher of the Year Finalist
Nicole Avolis
Craven County Schools is proud to celebrate Nicole Avolis of A.H. Bangert Elementary School, who was named one of four finalists for the Southeast Mentor Teacher of the Year.
Following her recognition as the first Craven County Schools Mentor Teacher of the Year, Nicole continued to represent our district with excellence as she advanced to the regional level. She was among eight outstanding mentor teachers from across the Southeast region who participated in a rigorous selection process that included the submission of a comprehensive professional portfolio and an in-depth interview.
The four finalists were announced during the Southeast Regional Mentor Teacher of the Year ceremony on September 10 in Wallace, North Carolina. Nicole was surrounded by a strong circle of support as she celebrated this tremendous accomplishment. In attendance were her Superintendent, current principal, mentor, Beginning Teacher Coordinators, Human Resources Director, and her husband, all there to celebrate her dedication to the teachers she serves and the impact she continues to make.
Being selected as a finalist is a testament to Nicole's commitment to mentoring, professional growth, and the belief that great teachers deserve great support. Her influence extends far beyond simply helping a beginning teacher navigate the first years of the profession. She builds relationships, creates confidence, shares wisdom, and reminds educators that they do not have to walk the journey alone.
What makes Nicole's story especially meaningful is that she genuinely loves this work. Mentoring is not simply a responsibility she fulfills—it is work she embraces with heart and purpose. She understands that when we invest in teachers, we invest in students, schools, and the future of education. Her passion for helping others grow is evident in the way she shows up, encourages others, and continues to pour into the profession she loves.
Craven County Schools congratulates Nicole Avolis on being named a Southeast Mentor Teacher of the Year finalist. We are incredibly proud of the way she represents our district and grateful for the light she brings to the work of mentoring.
2026-2027 Gateway to Greatness Recipients
Each month, one mentor will be honored as a Gateway to Greatness Recipient. This recognition highlights mentors who go above and beyond in supporting our Beginning Teachers; guiding them with wisdom, encouragement, and care. By opening doors and paving the way, these mentors serve as true gateways to greatness—helping new educators unlock their full potential. In addition to being celebrated as our monthly honoree, the recipient will also receive a special surprise gift as a token of appreciation for their invaluable support and impact. Nomination Form
2026-2027 Craven County Schools Rookie Team
The Craven County Schools Rookie Team recognizes an outstanding group of first-year teachers who have demonstrated exceptional promise, professionalism, and dedication during their inaugural year in the classroom. These educators were selected from a pool of nominees identified through the Promise of Potential process and were recognized by administrators, mentors, and school leaders for their strong instructional practices, positive impact on students, commitment to growth, and potential for future leadership. After careful review and consideration, a select group was chosen to represent the Craven County Schools Rookie Team, highlighting the remarkable contributions and achievements of these teachers as they complete their first year in the profession.
