North Carolina Community College Master Instructor Certification Program

The NC3MI Program recognizes and develops exemplary teaching across North Carolina’s 58 community colleges. This page provides an overview of the program’s purpose, standards, and cohort experience for interested educators and external partners. Details about nomination and application windows are shared directly with college leadership each cycle.

NC3MI Program Overview

NC3MI is a guided, hands-on experience for educators who aim to sharpen their craft, learn with peers across North Carolina, and model excellent teaching within the community college system.

What Candidates Gain

Statewide recognition for demonstrated instructional excellence
Classroom-ready strategies applicable across delivery formats
Cross-college collaboration and a durable professional network
A curated reflective portfolio documenting growth, impact, and leadershi

Program at-a-Glance

Format: Online and primarily asynchronous, with intentional live touchpoints (e.g., kickoff experience, optional support sessions, culminating capstone showcase)
Focus Areas: Professional Development · Student Learning · Collaborative Leadership · High-Engagement Practices (e.g., active learning, feedback cycles, metacognition)
Audience: NCCCS faculty and instructional leaders across Curriculum, Continuing Education, and College & Career Readiness

What the Experience Looks Like

Learn: Short, interactive modules connect teaching theory to high-impact practice
Apply: Candidates implement strategies with their learners and collect evidence of student impact
Reflect: Guided reflections (written or recorded) support analysis and planning
Collaborate: Peer feedback occurs across disciplines and colleges
Lead: A capstone experience showcases growth and models strategies for colleagues

What to Expect

Participants explore evidence‑based teaching strategies, implement them with students, reflect on impact, and contribute to a statewide community of practice. Typical module components include checklists, short interactive videos, discussions, reflection activities, and practical classroom applications.

Nominations

Candidates are nominated by college leadership (e.g., Chief Academic Officers and Workforce/Continuing Education leaders) at their home institutions. Nomination details and timelines are communicated directly to participating colleges during an active cycle.

Recognition

Graduates earn recognition as Master Instructors within the North Carolina Community College System. Alumni may be invited to share effective practices, present at statewide convenings, and support peer learning across colleges.

How Cohorts Are Selected

Cohorts are coordinated by the NCCCS System Office in collaboration with college leadership. When a future cohort is announced, colleges receive official guidance outlining the nomination process, selection considerations, and key dates via NCCCS communications.

Contact Information

For more information about the NC3MI Certification Program, please contact Dr. Lane Freeman at freemanl@nccommunitycolleges.edu

My experience in the NC3MI was helpful on multiple levels. First, I made some strong connections with other faculty across the state, giving me the opportunity to share and learn from others. Secondly, the course content elevated my teaching practice to the next level. The practical tools and guidance for using them are necessary for anyone who wants to change the way they impact students! Not only that but becoming a student again during this course is one of the most impactful things you can do to help you understand the mindset of the modern student.

Dr. Elizabeth Braun

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Department Chair of Rhetoric and Composition

Catawba Valley Community College

Being a part of the Master Instructor Cohort has been one of the best experiences so far in my Community College experience. Not only were Dr. Freeman and the leadership welcoming and engaging, but my peers were so helpful and knowledgeable. I felt like I truly was among the best of the best every step of the way. The community that was built is unparalleled. Most importantly, the content of the course helped hone my skills as an instructor so that I have been better able to engage my students, both in the classroom and online. Our role as faculty is to be here for the students, and the NC3MI Cohort takes this to the next level. I’m truly excited for this program to continue!

Joshua Brosius

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Instructor, Computer Integrated Machining

Stanly Community College

The NC3MI program allowed me to think critically, work collaboratively, and communicate more effectively how my instruction and planning directly impacts my students' educational journey.

Nicholas Goble

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Advertising, Graphic Design, Career and College Promise Instructor

Alamance Community College

I was eager to participate in the first cohort of the North Carolina Community College Master Instructor (NC3MI) Certification program and I was not disappointed. This online course/cohort is an awesome resource for educators in the community college system looking to enhance their teaching skills, both online and in the classroom. The course was thoughtfully designed using tools and techniques to teach the tools and techniques that create engaging and effective learning environments. The course introduced a variety of digital tools, such online digital boards, multimedia content creation, and podcasts. The techniques that fostered collaboration and online community for student engagement were particularly valuable. Whether through discussion boards or interactive lessons, the strategies shared in this course were designed to keep us motivated and connected. I cannot say enough good things about this certification program and its impact on learning and teaching.

Tiffany Cooper

Isothermal Community College

NC3MI - Frequently Asked Questions

Who is behind NC3MI?

NC3MI is led by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) and developed by a cross-division task force grounded in the learning sciences and evidence-based teaching practice. The team draws on research in adult learning, high-impact instructional strategies, and equity-minded pedagogy to design a practical, classroom-ready experience.

Who can apply for NC3MI?

All faculty (full-time and part-time) faculty members and college leadership who teach at least one course within the NC Community College System are eligible to apply.

How Candidates Enter the Process

Interested educators should speak with their college’s Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and/or Workforce/Continuing Education leader to express interest in NC3MI. Nominations typically open May–August, and selection notifications are made September–October.

During an active cycle, colleges receive official instructions from NCCCS. If a candidate is nominated, college leadership may request the following materials:

Candidate Support Summary completed by the CAO or Workforce/CE leader
Personal statement describing professional goals and alignment with NC3MI
Current résumé/CV

What happens if I'm not selected this year?

You should keep your application materials on file for future considerations, as the program plans to expand its offerings in subsequent years.

How many candidates are selected?

Typically 20–30 candidates are selected statewide. The final cohort size is flexible to ensure broad representation across North Carolina, high application quality, and diversity of disciplines. As the program grows, prior NC3MI graduates may assist with facilitation, which can expand opportunities for additional candidates.

Can colleges nominate multiple faculty members?

Yes. Colleges may nominate multiple candidates. In some cycles, more than one candidate from the same college may be selected; decisions depend on the overall applicant pool, cohort balance, and the strength of individual applications.