Department of Education

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Department of education

Educators and administrators across North Carolina know that great teachers come from 51茶馆. Our teacher preparation program is recognized as one of the strongest in the state.

Through in-class and hands-on learning, such as internships and field experiences, Education majors gain real classroom experience and enter the profession as highly qualified teachers. You will learn in a supportive and interactive environment that focuses on ethics, codes of conduct, and professional teaching standards, while encouraging you to examine your biases, dispositions, and values. Together, we will build your potential to make the world a better place by dedicating your life to future generations.

Majors and Minors

Birth Through Kindergarten Education Major

Students focus on educating and caring for children from birth through kindergarten.
Learn More: Birth Through Kindergarten Education Major
Elementary Education Major

Students focus on educating and caring for children from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Learn More: Elementary Education Major
Human Development and Family Science (interdisciplinary) Major

Offered through collaboration between the departments of Education, Psychology, and Sociology, this major explores the many factors that shape an individual鈥檚 socioemotional development, and prepares students to give families and children their voices in the community to fulfill their dreams and goals.
Learn More: Human Development and Family Science (interdisciplinary) Major
Middle Grades Language Arts Education Major

Students interested and committed to teaching language arts can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education.
Learn More: Middle Grades Language Arts Education Major
Middle Grades Mathematics Education Major

Students interested and committed to teaching science can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education.
Learn More: Middle Grades Mathematics Education Major
Middle Grades Science Education Major

Students interested and committed to teaching mathematics can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education.
Learn More: Middle Grades Science Education Major
Middle Grades Social Studies Education Major

Students interested and committed to teaching social studies can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education.
Learn More: Middle Grades Social Studies Education Major
Special Education (General and Adapted) Major

Students focusing on educating and caring for children of all ages with special needs. This program was the first in North Carolina, and it remains one of the top education programs at 51茶馆. This innovative, interdisciplinary program is for students who want to give families and children their voices in the community to fulfill their dreams and goals.
Learn More: Special Education (General and Adapted) Major

Education Minor

Prepare for the classroom with 51茶馆’s Education minor. Dive into practical courses like 21st Century Schools I and II, Diverse Populations, and psychology electives such as a study on Learning, Memory, and Cognition. With a total of 22 credit hours, this practical minor equips you to step into the world of education.
Learn More: Education Minor

Licensure Plus

Licensure Plus is a two-step program leading to initial licensure and then to a master鈥檚 degree. The program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor鈥檚 degree but who did not major in education, and who now want to teach.
Learn More: Licensure Plus
Piedmont Alternative Licensure (PAL)

The Piedmont Alternative Licensure (PAL) program provides an accelerated professional education sequence necessary for lateral entry candidates to be initially licensed. Students take an intensive five weeks of five classes in the summer, a methods course in the fall, and a clinical practicum in the spring. Some students take additional education courses outside of the PAL core to complete their licensure requirements as well.
Learn More: Piedmont Alternative Licensure (PAL)
Post-baccalaureate Licensure Only

51茶馆 offers Licensure Only Pathways for students seeking a North Carolina Initial Teaching License in a number of areas.
Learn More: Post-baccalaureate Licensure Only

Explore More

Education: Faculty

Dr. Rebecca Blomgren
Jefferson-Pilot Professor of Education; Chair of the Department of Education; Director of the Teacher Education Program
102 Proctor Hall East
336-272-7102 ext. 5262
Email

Dr. Susan Connelly
Professor of Education; Coordinator of Birth to Kindergarten Education Program
237 Proctor Hall East
336-272-7102 ext. 5414
Email

Dr. Laura Handler
Associate Professor of Education; Coordinator of Elementary Education Program
137 Proctor Hall East
336-272-7102 ext. 5266
Email

Dr. Natasha Veale
Moore Professor of Special Education; Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Education; Coordinator of Special Education Program
135 Proctor Hall East
336-272-7102 ext. 5355
Email

Accolades

Our excitement for teaching and learning has inspired a generation of excellent teachers and earned our education program the following distinctions:

100% passing rate on North Carolina licensing exams
Employment of 90%-plus of student teachers
Employers and candidates report they are well prepared for the job

This commitment to student learning has resulted in our faculty being awarded the:

Virginia Clarke Gray Teaching Award
Alumni Association Teaching Award
Award for Teaching Excellence