Earn your teaching degree and prepare yourself for a career of learning, leading and serving in tomorrow’s classrooms.
Bachelor's Degrees That Lead to Licensure for Teaching
As a future educator, you understand the importance of quality education and the role it plays in students’ lives. Choosing one of NCWU’s Teacher Education Programs affords you the firm foundation needed to shape tomorrow’s future. Whether you intend to teach early childhood education, middle grades or special education students, or you desire to have a career in administration, we offer degree programs that help you develop the skills necessary to meet the demands of tomorrow’s classrooms.
The TEACHER EDUCATION Program is a licensure program that offers majors in the following areas:
Accreditation for Teacher Education Program
The North Carolina Wesleyan University Teacher Education Program is accredited by both the State of North Carolina and Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and is a member in good standing.
The Teacher Education Programs listed below have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through June 30, 2029. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality. Students with a degree in the Teacher Education Program are eligible for licensure by the State of North Carolina upon completion of all requirements.
- AAQEP-Accredited Programs at North Carolina Wesleyan University
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6)
- Bachelor of Science in Special Education (K-12)
- Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education (6-9)
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Teacher Education Minor
- Bachelor of Science in English, Teacher Education Minor
- Bachelor of Science in History, Teacher Education Minor
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Teacher Education Minor
Goals & Standards for the Teacher Education Program
Graduates will be expected to demonstrate proficiency related to the goals and standards set. The goals are based on the role of the teacher as a reflective decision maker, and are aligned with the NC Professional Teaching Standards which are used to assess the performance of students in teacher education.
- Demonstrate Leadership
- Establish a Respectful Environment for a Diverse Population of Students
- Know the Content They Teach
- Facilitate Learning for Their Students
- Reflect on Their Practice
- Contribute to the Academic Success of Students
Admission and Criteria for the Teacher Education Program
Admission Policies
Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the Teacher Education Program. A student seeking admission to the Teacher Education program at Wesleyan should apply during the spring of the sophomore year. A student must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program before enrolling in upper-level education courses or must have permission from the Teacher Education Program. Permission will not be granted to students who have less than a 3.0 GPA.
Entrance Criteria
A student must meet the following criteria for admission to teacher education:
- Have passed the PRAXIS Core tests (reading, writing and math) as required by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Students who have earned a total score of 1170 on the SAT (reading and math) or 24 on the ACT (reading and math) are exempt from Praxis Core testing requirements. Students who have at least 570 on the SAT Math or 600 on the SAT Reading sections may be exempt from part of Praxis Core.
- Have achieved an overall grade point average of 3.0 on all previous college work completed at North Carolina Wesleyan University.
- Have a successful interview with a subcommittee of the Teacher Education Council. This interview will deal with personal, social and professional knowledge, skills and dispositions related to teaching.
- Have two positive recommendations and the required admission paperwork.
Licensure-only students must be admitted as non-degree students and should check with the Director of Teacher Education for specific programs of study. Teacher licensure-only programs are approved for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits for those individuals who have earned a degree(s) and who have met the entrance requirements for teacher licensure.
The certification of the student to the Department of Veterans Affairs must be accompanied by a copy of the advisor’s evaluation which lists the subjects needed for the teaching license, professional objective being sought and which shows the total number of credit hours needed for the teaching license. Only those subjects and credit hours needed for teacher licensure may be certified to the Department of Veterans Affairs for benefits payment purposes. Electives are not permitted.
Licensure Exams Requirements for the Teacher Education Program
In North Carolina, passing of licensure exams are required prior to receiving a professional teaching license. Required exams in the area of concentration:
Elementary Education
- Pearson Foundations of Reading
- Pearson General Curriculum Math OR PRAXIS Elementary Education: Math CKT
Special Education
- Pearson Foundations of Reading
- Pearson General Curriculum Math OR PRAXIS Elementary Education: Math CKT
- Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications
Middle Grades and Secondary Education
- Candidates must take the appropriate PRAXIS II exam in the area(s) of their licensure (Biology, English, Math, Science, Social Studies).
Teacher Resources
Teacher Education Program Majors & Minors
Elementary School Teachers are young at heart! Elementary teachers are rewarded daily as they observe their students learn and grow through hands-on activities.
The Elementary Education Program is a licensure program that prepares teachers to work in grades K-6. Graduates will understand how to enhance and direct the natural curiosity of young children and help them make academic progress, form positive self-concepts, and develop initiative and responsibility.
Middle-Grade Teachers change the lives of their students and help with the transition to the teen years. Middle-Grade teachers are extremely proficient in the subject(s) of their passion.
The Middle Grades Education Program is a licensure program that prepares students to teach in grades 6-9. Students are required to complete two concentrations selected from the following four areas: Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics or Science.
Concentrations in Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics or Science are required.
Students are required to complete two concentrations to meet the guidelines established for the middle grades programs by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Students are encouraged to work closely with an advisor and plan their programs of study with care noting opportunities to overlap general education requirements and concentration requirements.
High School Teachers get to mold their students and help them prepare for lives as adults. High School teachers interact with their students and help to define how they will view the world for the rest of their lives.
The SECONDARY EDUCATION Certificate is for students who major in Biology, English, History or Mathematics and wish to be licensed to teach in grades 9-12. In addition, all students must complete a specific academic major and complete required courses in education to meet licensure requirements. (Checklists identifying requirements are available in the Education Office.)
Special Education Teachers work with children and youths from elementary through high school. Special Education teachers work in a continuum of alternative educational placements.
The Special Education Major Program focuses on the design and provision of teaching and other educational services to children or adults with special learning needs or disabilities. Students are prepared to function as special education teachers. Includes instruction in diagnosing learning disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising special education students, special education counseling, and applicable laws and policies. Students may choose to double major in both Elementary Education and Special Education.
Students who choose to become licensed in special education will major in special education. Since the requirements for the program are extensive, those who are interested should discuss the program with an education advisor early in their college career and select courses carefully to meet program and general education requirements.
The education program at NCWU does a fabulous job at equipping future educators with the tools and skills that they’ll need to be successful in the classroom. Whether it’s by providing access to future educators to various schools in the district or serving as a support system in academics, I was well equipped to start my first year teaching my own classroom. The education program at Wesleyan does a great job of fostering a sense of community and dedication to a noble profession that literally changes and impacts lives on a daily basis. My time in the Teacher Education program was nothing short of amazing and time well spent.Lauren Sarmiento, ’19, 2nd Grade Teacher, Spring Hope Elementary
I had several teachers here from Edgecombe County, also in Nash County, to tell me that Wesleyan was such an amazing program, especially when it comes to the education department. They were telling me about all the professional developments that they did and also, all the different activities and the different things like that really helped them grow as a teacher.
Importantly, they actually gave us different opportunities to go into the classroom to actually work with students and to actually see if this is what we want to do when we they graduate, just to make sure that we have some experience so that we’re not blindsided when we go in for practicum and interested in teaching.
My most memorable moment from the education department was planning events with Doctor Brewer and with some of my classmates. There were several professional development sessions such as the after school tutoring program and student celebrations that we used to put on before final exams.
Taylor Webb, ’23
I transferred into Wesleyan my junior year and I was looking for a different program. The education program here is one of the best in the state of NC, and I was looking for something that was going to cater to me personally as a student. And Wesleyan was exactly that. When I came in, they welcomed me with full open arms. I immediately fell in love with the area. I fell in love with how small the school is, how easy it is to get up and get to class to know if you really walked class in five minutes.
I worked in the library as a student worker and as the secretary of the Black Student Association. Being a part of different groups that allowed me to connect with students who have similar interests with me, but also connect with students who want to get more involved. One of my favorite memories was I had the opportunity to attend the Student Association of Educators conference and it was just something that I probably wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to do at any other school. I really appreciated the development that I was taught as a student, as a future educator, and just as a person. So I was definitely a great memory for me.
I would also say to try and get involved. We have so many clubs on campus, so many opportunities for you to meet new people, opportunities for you to dive into something that you may want to do outside of school, and maybe something that you were interested in, you’ve never tried. I encourage you to use Wesleyan as a vessel to whatever career that you want to get into. There are plenty of professors that are current professionals and you’ll see that there’s a lot of opportunities around you to get any kind of job you want or any kind of connection you want, because the people here are willing to help.Makaela Stokes, ’24
Faculty & Staff
Email any of our advisors with any questions you have about completing the Teacher Education Program
Ayra Sundbom, Ed.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Instructional Technology
Ayra Sundbom, Ed.D.
Doretha Chichester
p: 252.985.5137
Rocky Mount Campus
North Carolina Counties: Bertie, Edgecombe, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Nash, North-Hampton, Wilson
Teacher Education Program Admissions Counselor
More Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
Hollister, NC
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
I was moving back to NC from Richmond VA. NCWU was very close to my house and I knew that serving people was one of my callings. So here I am still serving for over 22 years.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned?
I attended Aurelian Springs School, Eastman High and also attended some evening classes here at Wesleyan for Business.
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
Playing my piano singing and dining out. I love Italian food, but my favorite is Captain Georges at Virginia Beach.
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
Once you have some clarity about what you want to do in life your goals should be easier to accomplish.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions, because we are here to serve and not be served. Never underestimate your abilities for we all have different learning styles.
Any other interesting fact about yourself……….
I have a deep compassion for all student’s approaches and are dedicated to helping them find ways to achieve their goals.
Anything else that you think a prospective student would like to know about coming to NCWU.
NCWU is a small university on a close nit campus.
Patricia Brewer, Ph.D.
Lois Hart, Ed.D.
Kelvin Spragley, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Teacher Education/Director of Teacher Education/Chief Diversity Officer
Kelvin Spragley, Ph.D.
Darleen Lamm
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Choose from 30+ student-led clubs and organizations to connect with other students who share your academic interests or… create your own.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, NC Wesleyan University has a number of partnerships with other community colleges, universities and institutions that allow students to enroll at NCWU with simple pathways. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to NCWU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
