A unique program in North Carolina, Appalachian State University’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program offers pathways to teaching licensure (grades 6–12) or organizational leadership skills, preparing students and educators to advance workforce innovation and excellence in a rapidly changing economy.

Grades 6-12 Teaching Licensure Pathways:

Undergraduate Programs

Career and Technical Education Undergraduate Program – Teaching Licensure (Grades 6-12)

The Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers concentrations for teaching specific industry area skills at the middle and high school levels. In partnership with other programs across campus, and through experiential learning and relevant projects, students are challenged to develop a comprehensive knowledge base while still learning the art of teaching.

View program descriptions, admissions information and deadlines for each concentration area:

Current course descriptions can be accessed in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

CTE students are required to complete an internship and a practicum as part of their program and in preparation for teaching licensure. Learn more about internship requirements for aspiring teachers.

Contact

Dr. Tempestt Adams
Program Director
adamstr2@appstate.edu

Career and Technical Education Graduate Certificate (Online – Licensure)

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Graduate Certificate is an online licensure program designed for individuals seeking an A-level (initial) teaching license in middle grades and secondary education.

You’ll study with faculty who specialize in preparing teachers for today’s diverse, technology-enhanced classrooms. This flexible program emphasizes both content mastery and pedagogical expertise to help you meet the needs of 21st-century learners.

View admissions information and deadlines for the CTE Graduate Certificate

Learn more about Residency Licensure

Program Benefits

  • 100% Online: Learn from anywhere while continuing to work.
  • Residency Licensure Option: Meets coursework requirements for those teaching under a North Carolina Residency License.
  • Applied Learning: Engage in experiences that connect theory to classroom practice.
  • Efficient Pathway: Complete in just 18-24 months.

What You’ll Learn

  • Theoretical and philosophical foundations of middle grades and secondary education
  • Developmental and learning processes for early adolescent and adolescent age groups
  • Instructional design, evaluation, and curriculum development
  • Strategies for technology integration and culturally responsive teaching
  • Research-based methods to support diverse learners

Contact 

Dr. Jerianne Taylor
CTE Graduate Certificate Program Director
828-262-6352
taylorjs@appstate.edu 

Resources for K-12 Education Students

Two individuals collaborate at computer workstations in a classroom, with one person pointing at a screen.

Teacher Preparation

Learn about requirements, licensure, processes, and resources for teacher education in the Reich College of Education.

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Office of Field Experiences

The Office of Field Experiences coordinates site-based learning, internships, and student teaching for all teacher education and counseling licensure programs.

The Career Development Center at Appalachian State University, located inside the Plemmons Student Union.

Career Services

Connect with the RCOE Career Coach and explore resources for career exploration, internships, and graduate programs.

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Engaging Future Educators

James Center for Student Success and Advising

Preparing quality educators is a cornerstone of Appalachian’s past, present and future. When it comes to education, the state and region look FIRST to Appalachian for innovative instruction, faculty excellence and student success.

Tk20 Teacher Education Portfolio

TK20 By Watermark Logo

Tk20 by Watermark is the edTPA portfolio system used by App State for students admitted to Teacher Education. Approved students and faculty have access to the system via your App State credentials.

Learn more about Tk20