Teacher Education Program
Become a Licensed Teacher in UNC Asheville’s Education Program
The Department of Education is accredited to recommend candidates for licensure in the following areas.
- Elementary Education (K–6)
- Middle School (6–9): Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
- Secondary Education (9–12): Biology, Chemistry, Comprehensive Science (Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Physics), Earth Science, English, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies (Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, or Sociology)
- Kindergarten–12 (K–12): Art, Special Education: General Curriculum, Theatre Arts
Candidates seeking K-12 or 9-12 licensure (except for the area of K-12 Special Education: General Curriculum) must complete the disciplinary major that is congruent with their licensure area. Middle school licensure candidates must complete a major that is appropriate for their chosen licensure area of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies. Candidates seeking licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education: General Curriculum may complete a disciplinary major in any area.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree with North Carolina Teacher Licensure
UNC Asheville’s Education program prepares students to become reflective, effective educators through coursework that blends theory, practice, and disciplinary depth. Courses emphasize teaching and learning theory, curriculum design, classroom management, and educational equity, while integrating extensive field experiences in local schools. Students develop strong communication, critical thinking, and instructional skills as they study their chosen academic discipline alongside education coursework. Small classes and close faculty mentorship support engaged learning and prepare graduates for North Carolina teacher licensure and successful careers in education.
Elementary School Licensure (K–6)
Career Paths
UNC Asheville graduates enter the teaching profession confident and classroom-ready. Through extensive field experiences, mentorship, and discipline-specific training, students develop the practical skills needed to manage classrooms, design engaging instruction, and meet the diverse needs of learners from day one. Alumni bring creativity, critical thinking, and empathy to schools across Western North Carolina — with many teaching in Buncombe, Henderson, and Asheville City Schools — while others pursue advanced degrees or leadership roles in education.
Internships
Field experience is central to UNC Asheville’s Education program. Through structured clinical practice, immersive classroom placements, and partnerships such as AVID, students gain hands-on teaching experience in real academic settings while building confidence, instructional skills, and professional readiness. Supported by close faculty mentorship and strong school partnerships, these experiences prepare students to enter the profession confident, capable, and classroom-ready from day one.
Shaping Tomorrow's Scholars
Pursue the subject you love while attaining a license to teach it through UNC Asheville’s teacher licensure program.
The lovely thing about getting teaching licensure at this school is that you get to major in whatever you want and still get the licensure on top.
Steps to a Teacher Licensure
Steps to a Teacher Licensure
To become a teacher in the state of North Carolina, students must complete student teaching, also referred to as the clinical practice internship. We recommend that students seeking teaching licensure refer to the Department of Education Policies and Procedures Manual for detailed information on obtaining a North Carolina Standard Professional I Teaching License.
Educating the Next Generation of Scholars
By the time you graduate from UNC Asheville’s Education program, you may be prepared to teach grades K-6, 6-9, 9-12, or K-12, depending on your chosen path. The K-6 license qualifies graduates to teach elementary education, serving students between kindergarten and sixth grade. For those interested in teaching students in higher grade levels, licensure programs are available in a variety of subjects for grades 6-9, 9-12, and K-12. The grade levels you are prepared to teach are determined by your licensure pathway and academic major.
3 Asheville Educators Making An Impact
See what inspires three Asheville educators to inspire others — and learn how UNC Asheville’s Education program prepared them for this challenging (and rewarding) career path.
Mikayla Wright
See how Mikayla Wright, a 7th grade math teacher at Erwin Middle School, was honored as the 2023-24 Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Jesus Citalan-Angleles
Alumni Jesus Citalan-Angleles is now a 7th grade math teacher at Asheville Middle School.
At Home in the Classroom
“I tell people this all the time, and I really mean this: one of the best decisions that I ever made was to go back to school and to do it at UNCA,” Winebrenner said.
Award Winning Teacher
Alumna Sarah Laws became an award-winning teacher at the same high school she once attended.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE)
UNC Asheville’s Education program connects students to meaningful professional and community-based experiences through opportunities like the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE). Through SNCAE, future educators build leadership skills, connect with peers and professionals, and engage in workshops and advocacy that support their growth as teachers.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Student Ambassadors & Education Opportunities
Do you want an opportunity to make a little extra cash and spread the good news about teaching during your Professional Year? Apply to be a Student Ambassador!
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Scholarships & Available Awards
The Department of Education at UNC Asheville offers scholarships and financial support to help future teachers succeed. Students can apply for departmental awards through the UNC Asheville Scholarship Portal and explore additional funding opportunities to support their path to licensure and professional growth.
Teacher Licensure FAQs
Teacher Licensure FAQs
The Teacher Licensure Program at UNC Asheville is designed with flexibility in mind. Whether you are an undergraduate student, a post-baccalaureate candidate, or exploring licensure alongside another major, our program provides clear pathways, advising, and resources to support your goals. This page answers common questions about eligibility, admissions, coursework, licensure areas, and timelines, helping you understand how the program fits your academic background and career plans as you prepare to become a licensed educator in North Carolina.
Education Faculty
Education Faculty
Our faculty members are experts in their disciplines and support students through their journey toward teaching licensure. They enable their students to actively engage in issues facing today’s educators and facilitate their growth in hands-on learning opportunities and field placements.
Programs That Offer a Teacher Licensure Track
Ready For What's Next?
Study what you love and achieve North Carolina teacher licensure to shape the education field. Engage and connect with the community on campus and across the local area. Find funding opportunities that make your education degree more affordable. It all begins in Asheville.