Elementary Education (BS)

About

Every child deserves a teacher who cares and can help make education engaging, motivating and authentic. Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education prepares you to become a teacher for kindergarten through grade six and earn a North Carolina teaching license – but it also does more than that. This degree empowers you to widen a child’s view, spur his or her curiosity and learning potential, and build community.

To make sure you’re ready for the classroom, the Reich College of Education is dedicated to giving you a wealth of practice – including multiple field experiences, internships and service-learning opportunities – before you even start your student teaching.

After Graduation

Employment: Students are typically hired throughout North Carolina as well as in surrounding states. Appalachian has teacher licensure reciprocity with 37 states.

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@cjpk.net or 828-262-7559.

People

Alumni Profile: App State leads nation in board certified teachers

For the sixth consecutive year, App State tops the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards’ list of “Top 50 Alma Maters by Total Number of NBCTs,” leading the nation for the number of National Board Certified Teachers — 2,211.
Alumna Profile: Sarah Peatross ’18

Peatross works as a first-grade teacher for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools at the Whitaker Elementary School, the same elementary school she attended.
Alumna Profile: Stephanie Gelbert ’12

Stephanie Gelbert teaches fourth grade at Rama Road Elementary in Charlotte and recently received her National Board Certification.
Alumna Profile: Kelly Johnson ’02

Johnson holds National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification and is a STEAM teacher and facilitator for Mount Airy City Schools in Mount Airy.

Courses

Program of Study
Four Year Guide

Click on the pdf for your major
NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

Minors

A minor is not required, but students are required to have a Second Academic Concentration. See options and their requirements.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Appalachian Educators – Open to all education majors. It sponsors service events and provides professional development and leadership opportunities.

College Middle Level Association (CMLA) – Its purpose is to better the advancement and recognition of middle grade educators.

Association for Middle Level Education — An international organization for middle school educators.

Kappa Delta Pi – The national honorary education fraternity.

Prospective Teachers of Mathematics – Promotes awareness for the mathematics teaching profession.

North Carolina Association of Educators – The student chapter of the organization that provides one voice for educators and public school employees.

View all student organization contacts

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. Opportunities for education majors include international student teaching.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.

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Degrees

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Costs and Aid

Why Appalachian?

Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
The Elementary Education program is committed to rigorous preparation, from the planning and implementing of instruction, to evaluating and reflecting.
The program emphasizes preparing future elementary teachers to meet the needs of all students, including students of diverse backgrounds and with special learning needs.
The National Council of Teacher Quality has recognized Appalachian’s undergraduate elementary program as a leader in North Carolina teacher preparation.

Location

Boone and Hickory

Careers

Elementary School Teacher
Non-formal Teaching Positions
Environment Education Center Director
Museum Docent
Non-profit Advocate
Charter School Teacher
Summer Camp Instructor

View more career possibilities

Department of Public Instruction Licensure information

Steps to a NC Professional Educator’s License

North Carolina Public Schools Jobs

Contacts

Reich College of Education
Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum

Dr. Ashley Whitehead
Program Director
whiteheadan@cjpk.net
828-262-3162

Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum
The Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum offers a broad range of comprehensive degree programs at the baccalaureate and master’s level. The department seeks to provide quality programs that emphasize an integration of academics and field experiences.

Reich College of Education
Approximately 2,400 students
- The Reich College of Education enrolls approximately 2,400 students in its bachelor’s, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degree programs. It houses five departments: Curriculum and Instruction, Family and Child Studies, Human Development and Psychological Counseling, Leadership and Educational Studies, and Reading Education and Special Education.
Teacher preparation
- Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
- Appalachian offers the largest undergraduate teacher preparation program in North Carolina, graduating about 500 teachers a year. There is at least one RCOE graduate working in every county in North Carolina.
- The Reich College of Education is recognized consistently in the annual Institution of Higher Education Performance Report by the State Board of Education.
Close ties to public schools
- The Appalachian State University Public School Partnership – which includes 125 schools in nine surrounding districts – provides sites for student teachers and interns as well as professional development opportunities for teachers.
- The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork, located in Walkertown, North Carolina, serves over 300 K-5 students. The Academy provides a balanced education through the implementation of research-based practices, state-of-the-art literacy instruction, and exemplary classroom instruction and administration.
Graduate programs
- The School of Graduate Studies’ Accelerated Admission program, in which select undergraduate students can fulfill both undergraduate and graduate course requirements in their senior year toward the completion of a graduate degree program, is offered in: higher education, reading education and special education.
- Other education-related master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.