I came here in the US from the Philippines with a tourist visa (B2) last April 2009 and converted to a working visa (H1B) effective Oct 2009. I have been working as a teacher in NC since then. Am I eligible for the tax treaty benefits?

H1-B is work visa. Your income is subject to SS tax, Medicare tax and income taxes. You do not get any treaty deduction.
If you are married, you can file joint return as residents. Both of you will get standard deduction and exemptions. Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/08/us-visas.html)