Checkpoints

Current Students

What are the Checkpoints?

Three checkpoints are required for all students in teacher preparation/licensure programs to move forward through the Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP). Each checkpoint will include a mandatory meeting and a packet of forms. Please work with your advisor to determine how you should participate. You will utilize a Canvas shell to obtain instructions on how to complete the Checkpoints. However, failure to pass any of the checkpoints in a timely manner may prevent students from registering for other courses and progressing through teacher preparation programs.

What do I need for each of the checkpoints?

When should I complete this? 

You may complete this 1st checkpoint as early as your first semester in your teacher preparation program or as late as the semester before your first field experience. If you are unsure when that will be, check with your content advisor and/or your 4-year plan.

Checkpoint #1 is your initial entry into PTEP. The most important part of Checkpoint #1 is getting your fingerprint criminal background check completed. This background check will follow you through your time at UNC and then once you become a licensed teacher. Our partner school districts rely on this step being completed before you can enter any of their schools. Completing the background check is a 3-step process, so be sure to pay close attention to the assignments in your Checkpoint.

Once you have successfully completed Checkpoint #1, your advisor will notify Educator Preparation staff for when you will need your next Checkpoint.

When should I take this?

You should complete this checkpoint the semester before your final practicum experience. If you are unsure when that will be, check with your content advisor and/or your 4-year plan.

*Note: Elementary candidates will complete Checkpoint #2 twice.

The most important part of Checkpoint #2 is working on or having already passed your required Praxis test(s) for your content area. You must successfully pass your required content specific Praxis test(s) the semester before student teaching. Your placement will not be finalized before a passing score is submitted.

When should I take this?

You should complete Checkpoint #3 the semester before you plan to student teach.

Checkpoint #3 is the final checkpoint. This checkpoint will verify that you have successfully completed your required content specific Praxis test. This checkpoint is the final step before you will be allowed to move forward for student teaching.

Questions? Contact Us!