Upon completion of the B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education program, graduates will be fully prepared for North Carolina initial teaching licensure in Elementary Education (K–6), along with a required second license in either English as a Second Language (K–12)* or Special Education – General Curriculum (K–12), based on the track they complete.
Graduates pursuing teaching positions outside North Carolina should be aware that licensure requirements vary by state, and reciprocity is not automatic. Candidates will need to meet the specific licensure criteria of the state where they seek employment.
To learn more about licensure requirements, processes, and support at the UNC School of Education email education_edprep@unc.edu.
Dual Licensure Track — English as a Second Language
School districts across the state have remarkable language diversity — Among North Carolinians, more than 330 languages are spoken in the home and more than 133,000 K–12 students are identified as multilingual learners receiving specialized language support services. With this number continually growing, dual licensure in English as a Second Language (K–12) to support multilingual learners is especially valuable in preparing teachers to meet the needs of all learners in an elementary classroom.
*Note: English as a Second Language (K–12) licensure will not be available for fall 2026 applicants.
Dual Licensure Track — Special Education – General Curriculum
Early identification of unique learning needs is critical, and elementary teachers are often the first to recognize them. Today, nearly 15% of all students receive special education services, a number that continues to grow each year. Graduates with Special Education (K–12) licensure are prepared to support learners with a wide range of needs, ensuring all students have access to meaningful, equitable learning opportunities and the structures needed for success.
The edTPA Portfolio
In addition to completing their coursework and achieving passing scores on their licensure tests, Elementary Education students are required to complete an edTPA portfolio to demonstrate their readiness to lead a classroom. With support from faculty and supervisors, students gather materials — such as lesson plans, assessments, and a short video of their teaching — to show the skills they’ve developed in their licensure area.