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.
2025-2026 Craven County Beginning Teacher of the Year
Each year, Craven County Schools proudly recognizes one outstanding Beginning Teacher through a rigorous selection process that includes the submission of a professional portfolio and a formal interview. This honor celebrates the dedication, innovation, and impact of our newest educators.
We are excited to announce that this year’s Beginning Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Ashleigh Eadie, a Kindergarten teacher at Havelock Elementary School. Now in her second year as a Beginning Teacher (BT2), Mrs. Eadie is a Residency License teacher who returned to her first love—teaching Her journey back to the classroom highlights both her passion and commitment to ensuring all students experience meaningful and joyful learning.
Her principal, Mrs. Christy Hazlett, describes her as “an exquisite and exceptional educator…a rare teacher whose talent, passion, and heart shine far beyond her years of experience.” Families frequently share their appreciation for her dedication, noting not only their children’s academic growth but also their confidence and love for learning.
A surprise announcement of this honor was made at Havelock Elementary on September 24, in front of students, her family, co-workers, school board members, and district-level staff.
Mrs. Eadie will now represent Craven County Schools in the NCCAT North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year process, where she will share her passion, creativity, and dedication on a statewide level.
Congratulations, Mrs. Ashleigh Eadie!
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.
October Promise of Potential Nominee
Promise of Potential Awardee – October 2025
Mrs. Chiquita Kearney | West Craven High School
We are proud to recognize Mrs. Chiquita Kearney as the October Promise of Potential Award recipient. In her very first year at West Craven High School, Mrs. Kearney has made a remarkable impact, demonstrating creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to both her students and the school community.
At the start of the school year, she introduced the Eagle Board Color Party, a school-wide celebration designed to strengthen family culture and unity across campus. In her classroom, she launched the Eagle Café, a hands-on business simulation where students learn valuable skills in customer service, responsibility, and teamwork—preparing them for success beyond the classroom.
Her leadership extends well beyond instruction. Mrs. Kearney is organizing the school’s upcoming Trunk or Treat/Fall Festival, a community-centered event that builds spirit and engagement. She has also been nominated for the LifeChanger of the Year Award by the National Life Group, a prestigious recognition of her excellence, leadership, and positive influence. Mrs. Kearney has also been awarded the International Paper Grant this month.
What makes Mrs. Kearney stand out is not only her vision but her drive to act on it. In just a few short weeks as a certified teacher, she has successfully guided her students in creating a school-based enterprise, all while mastering ECATS, leading IEP meetings, and providing strong support to her colleagues. She has quickly established herself as an active leader—fully invested and “all in” for WCHS.
Mrs. Kearney embodies the true Promise of Potential: inspiring students, uplifting colleagues, and building a stronger school community. We are excited to celebrate her as a shining example of what it means to lead with passion and purpose at West Craven High School.
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
November 2025 Nominees
CES- Michelle McGowan
Gateway to Greatness Recipient- November 2025
We are proud to recognize Nicole Avolis (A. H. Bangert Elementary School) as this month’s Gateway to Greatness Recipient, honoring her outstanding dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to both her students and colleagues. Nicole’s impact is felt daily, especially by the Beginning Teachers she so generously supports. Her BT shared a heartfelt nomination describing Nicole as “an incredibly supportive and inspiring presence” during their first year as an educator. From day one, Nicole has offered her time, patience, and steady guidance—helping new teachers feel confident and uplifted as they navigate their journey. Her calm presence, deep wisdom, and genuine care for others truly set her apart. She is known for checking in regularly, sharing valuable resources, celebrating small and big victories, and being available for anything her colleagues may need. Her BT shared, “I am grateful every single day that I get to learn from someone as dedicated and kind as her.” Beyond her role as a mentor, Nicole is a highly skilled and passionate educator in her second-grade classroom. With ten years of experience and a strong foundation in Elementary Education (K–6), she exemplifies what it means to teach with heart, purpose, and professionalism.
Please join us in celebrating Nicole Avolis for embodying the spirit of excellence and for making Craven County Schools a place where teachers and students thrive. Congratulations, Nicole, and thank you for everything you do!
