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 which 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.
Attain a Bachelor’s Degree with North Carolina Teacher Licensure
Attain a Bachelor’s Degree with North Carolina Teacher Licensure At UNC Asheville, you can earn your license to teach in the state of North Carolina while pursuing a major in one of our many liberal arts-centered programs, allowing you to study what you’re passionate about as you prepare for a teaching career. From language arts to the sciences to art, you glean all the value from being fully immersed in your discipline while developing your expertise as an effective educator.
Elementary School Licensure (K–6)
Career Paths
UNC Asheville graduates, grounded in the liberal arts, bring creativity, critical thinking, and empathy to diverse classrooms. They guide students through active inquiry to become engaged citizens while meeting educational needs with care. Many graduates teach in Buncombe, Henderson, and Asheville City Schools, others pursue advanced degrees, and more than 40 have earned National Board Certification.
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.
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.
Educating the Next Generation of Scholars
By the time you graduate from UNC Asheville’s education program, you may teach grades K-6, 6-9, 9-12, or K-12, depending on your program. Obtaining a K-6 license allows you to teach students between kindergarten and sixth grade, also referred to as elementary education licensure. If you are interested in teaching at higher grade levels, we offer licensure programs that allow you to teach a variety of subjects in grades 6-9, 9-12, and K-12. The grade level you prepare to teach also depends on your major.
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.
SNCAE & AVID Tutoring
SNCAE & AVID Tutoring
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) and AVID. Through SNCAE, future educators build leadership skills, connect with peers and professionals, and engage in workshops and advocacy that support their growth as teachers. Through AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), students apply research-based instructional strategies in real classrooms, serving as tutors and partners in Asheville City Schools while supporting college readiness and student success.
Teacher Licensure FAQ
Teacher Licensure FAQ
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 at Asheville.