About

Special education teachers work with students with disabilities including learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism and other disabilities. They adapt lessons for them and teach subjects such as reading, writing and math.

Appalachian State University’s Special Education (BS) – Adapted Curriculum K-12 degree prepares future teachers to teach students in grades K-12 who will likely require more significant modifications and adaptations in order to access the general curriculum, and may not be candidates for career prep, college/tech prep, or college prep diploma from the North Carolina public schools.

This degree program is part of the Department of Child Development, Literacy and Special Education and leads to North Carolina teaching license in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum K-12.

After Graduation

Employment: There is currently a shortage of Special Education teachers in North Carolina and around the country. Each of our graduates has numerous job opportunities from which to choose.

Graduate school: This degree offers an Accelerated Master's Program at Appalachian. Students can begin taking courses toward a master's degree in special education or master’s in reading education as a senior; after they complete their undergraduate program, they can finish their master’s degree with approximately one additional year of coursework. In addition, students can take directed elective hours in the master's program to complete graduate certificates in Autism, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, and Reading Education or a combination, resulting in well-prepared and highly marketable special education professionals.

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@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.

People

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  Alumna Profile: Carolina Parris Bennett ’19 ’20

  “I chose to come to Appalachian State University because of the outstanding faculty and staff reputations within the Reich College of Education. After completing two degrees here (MA and BS), I could not be more happy with the level of expertise that my professors have. Not only are they experts in their fields, they also repeatedly show respect, caring and interest in each of their students’ lives. I am proud to be an Appalachian alumna.”

  – Carolina Parris Bennet, who completed her bachelor’s and earned a master’s degree through Appalachian’s Accelerated Admissions program

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  Alumna Profile: Colleen McIndoe ’19 ’20

  “I have wanted to teach for as long as I can remember and when I was looking at schools, Appalachian was one school on my list of many. After visiting for the first time, I knew that App was the only place I wanted to go. The faculty is incredible, its reputation for teaching is top-notch and Boone just feels like home.”

  – Colleen McIndoe, who completed her bachelor’s and earned a master’s degree in reading education through Appalachian’s Accelerated Admissions program

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  Faculty Profile: Dr. Susan Hedges

  “I chose to come to App because it has a reputation for producing great educators, and I wanted to be a part of that mission.”

  – Dr. Susan Hedges, assistant professor, who previously worked in North Carolina schools for 16 years

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  Faculty Profile: Dr. Aftynne E. Cheek

  “I chose to come to Appalachian because the university as a whole is very student focused.  …I understand the importance of getting to know each student individually so I can help them become the best teacher for students with disabilities.”

  – Dr. Aftynne E. Cheek, assistant professor

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  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.

Related Program

• Special Education (BS) – General Curriculum K-12

Minors

No minor is required for the degree; however, this program offers a minor in Special Education, General to other majors.

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.

Kappa Delta Pi – The national honorary education fraternity

Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) -- Promotes programs and service projects and prepares future leaders in the education of exceptional children and youth.

AppVocates – A group of students who volunteer with Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program, an innovative campus program that provides students with intellectual disabilities access to a 2-year college education.

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.