Education Effective Teachers through the Liberal Arts
The Teacher Education program at UNC Asheville takes a student-centered approach to developing teachers who have broad perspective and superior knowledge in the subjects they will teach. Our fully accredited program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in a discipline and North Carolina Standard Professional I teaching license. As the designated liberal arts university in the University of North Carolina system, UNC Asheville takes a holistic approach to undergraduate education. Benefits of the UNC Asheville Education Department are small classes, valuable faculty-student interactions, relevant course work, integrated educational technology and meaningful field experiences. Education students gain perspective through the Integrative Liberal Studies (ILS) program, depth of knowledge through an academic major outside of Education, and resourcefulness in teaching through a licensure program that is supported by collaboration with area schools.
Mission
The mission of the Education Department is to provide the professional preparation for a N.C. Standard Professional I teaching license with a liberal arts foundation. The department is committed to serving undergraduates who earn the license as they complete their degree at UNC Asheville and to post-baccalaureate students who have decided to pursue teaching as a career.
The ultimate aim of the department is to provide the future teachers of our society the best opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to pursue their goals; learn to communicate effectively; develop effective dispositions to teach; learn to reflect on student learning; find meaning in their lives; and take their places as contributing citizens of a changing society who will positively impact the students in the public school system and the profession in general.
Curriculum and Licensure Areas
Our program is approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. The curriculum leads to North Carolina Standard Professional Iteaching license in:
- Birth through Kindergarten (B-K)
- Elementary Education (K–6)
- Middle School Education (6–9) in Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science
- Secondary Education (9–12) in Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Latin, Mathematics, Physics, Science, Earth Science, Social Studies
- Art (K–12)
- French, German, Spanish (K–12)
- Reading (K–12)
- Theatre Arts (K–12)
Requirements for Admission
Formal admission to the Teacher Education program must be granted by the department’s Education and Assessment Committee. Minimum requirements include a grade-point average of 2.5; junior standing; a C- in Education 310 (Introduction to Education); a passing score on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PRAXIS I), or an 1100 combined score on the SAT, or a 24 composite score on the ACT; and a positive review by the Education & Assessment Committee. All students interested in teacher licensure meet with the appropriate advisor in the department at least once each semester.
Post-Baccalaureate Licensure-Only Students
Students already granted an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, or who have earned a master’s degree, should apply through the Admissions Office for non-degree, licensure-only status. They should make an appointment with the appropriate licensure area advisor as soon as possible to review transcripts and informal admission.
Lateral Entry or Regional Alternative Licensure Center (RALC) Students
Teachers already employed in a public school with lateral entry status, or who already have a Plan of Study prepared by a RALC, should apply as a non-degree, licensure-only student. They should see the appropriate licensure area advisor as soon as possible to review transcripts and the RALC Plan of Study.
Course Requirements
Licensure candidates must complete a series of educational methods courses and field experiences, ILS courses, academic major courses and required Psychology courses. Requirements are listed in the UNC Asheville catalog, online and in departmental brochures.
Field Experiences
One of the best ways to prepare for the teaching profession is first-hand experience. Students participate in tutoring, mentoring and special-assistance activities in area public schools, and they have many opportunities to visit, observe and practice teaching. Students are placed in public schools for all their methods courses, working with skilled veteran teachers. These experiences demonstrate what it takes to be a top professional in education and help foster a sense of volunteerism in students. The following experiences are also available:
- Service Learning
- Freshman Colloquium
- Education Coalition, 4–12 tutoring and mentoring
- AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), 6–12 tutoring
The Professional Year
The professional year consists of two semesters. The first includes the capstone Methods course with placement in a school setting for an extended field experience, and the Research Methods course in which the student designs an action-based research project in collaboration with a cooperating teacher. The subsequent semester includes full-time student teaching in that same classroom, and the implementation of the research project. The semester culminates with student presentations at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium on campus, and a certificate ceremony for all students who complete the program.
Faculty
Experienced educators and scholars in many areas of education, the faculty prepare students to be excellent teachers. Our philosophy is that every child in the public schools has a right to teachers who are knowledgeable, skillful and caring.
Students
Leaders on campus and in the classroom, our students are highly motivated and consistently earn top scores on national teacher examinations. They become classroom teachers, principals and superintendents in school systems across the country. Many have been honored by their colleagues as Teacher of the Year.
Department Aspirations
We strive to prepare:
- Knowledgeable teachers who demonstrate depth and breadth in subject area content, pedagogy, instructional technology and psychology as it applies to teaching.
- Well-informed teachers who are aware of state and national professional standards and can apply them in the classroom.
- Flexible teachers who are capable of performing successfully in various teaching-learning situations.
- Creative teachers who appreciate the uniqueness of every individual and who use innovative methods to help all students meet curriculum standards.
- Resourceful teachers who create, access and utilize effective instructional tools, technologies, assessments and community resources.
- Collaborative teachers who demonstrate awareness of and appreciation for the communities in which they teach and who foster mutually beneficial relationships with the community.
- Responsible teachers who exemplify the skills, behaviors, dispositions and responsibilities expected of members of the teaching profession.
- Reflective teachers who maintain a commitment to excellence and to the continuous assessment, adaptation and improvement of teaching.
- Humane teachers who value the dignity of every individual and foster a supportive climate of intellectual inquiry, passion for learning and social justice.
More Information
Department of Education
148 Zageir Hall, CPO #1950
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8508
828.251.6420