Teaching is more than a career, it's a chance to shape lives and inspire futures. People choose to teach for many reasons — following in the footsteps of a favorite teacher, a love of learning or a calling to make a difference. Discover why teaching could be the right path for you.
School of Education
Answer Your Calling
If you’ve felt the pull to lead, to connect and to create meaningful change — teaching,
school leadership and counseling are where those instincts come to life. They are
dynamic, challenging and deeply rewarding professions that value curiosity, adaptability
and heart. Your decision to join these fields reflects a bold step toward a career
that grows with you and offers new opportunities to learn every day.
Why Teach?
A Desire to Make a Difference
Many teachers are driven by the wish to positively influence young lives, contribute to society and shape future generations. They want to help students learn, grow and reach their full potential.
A Passion for the Subject Matter
Some individuals become teachers because they have a genuine love for a particular subject and want to share that passion with others. They also enjoy the process of exploring and explaining concepts.
The Joy of Working with Children/Young Adults
Many teachers find fulfillment in the energy, curiosity and unique perspectives that students bring. They enjoy the dynamic and interactive nature of the classroom environment and building meaningful relationships with their students. Teachers often feel a sense of accomplishment in their students' progress.
Why Lead?
If you're ready to take the next step in your education career, UNCP’s academic leadership programs will equip you to lead with confidence, compassion and impact.
Designed for experienced educators, these graduate-level pathways prepare you for key roles as principals, district administrators, instructional leaders and change agents in K–12 settings.
With a focus on equity, student achievement and school transformation, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to navigate today’s educational challenges and drive lasting improvement.
Flexible course delivery and experienced faculty ensure you’re supported every step of the way.
Step into leadership — and shape the future of education.
Why Counseling?
Get ready to create meaningful change. Explore UNCP’s Counseling programs and launch a fulfilling career guiding individuals, families, and communities toward well-being and success.
Our CACREP‑accredited Master of Arts in Education programs are designed for today’s aspiring counselors. Available in hybrid and evening formats, they allow you to balance work, life, and learning while pursuing your degree.
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Hands‑on experience built in: With 60 credit hours, 700 hours of supervised practicum and internships, plus a comprehensive exam, we ensure you're ready for licensure as either a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate or a Professional School Counselor in North Carolina.
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Flexible & career‑focused: Evening and hybrid class formats support both full‑time and part‑time learners, with structured field placements for practical, real-world experience.
Undergraduate Programs
UNCP’s undergraduate teacher education programs equip you with the knowledge, confidence and hands-on experience to thrive as a professional educator. You’ll build deep expertise in your chosen subject area while developing the skills to manage classrooms, engage learners, and create inclusive, inspiring learning environments.
From early field experiences and immersive student teaching to interactive workshops and faculty mentorship, you’ll be prepared to make an immediate impact. Along the way, you’ll build a professional network and a foundation of support that will guide you throughout your career in education.
Graduate Programs
UNCP’s graduate programs are designed to elevate your expertise — whether you're deepening
your skills as a teacher or preparing to serve students as a licensed counselor. With
flexible options like the MAEd and MAT in high-demand subjects such as English, Math,
and Science Education, as well as CACREP-accredited programs in Clinical Mental Health
and Professional School Counseling, you’ll gain the tools to lead with confidence.
Through advanced coursework, hands-on experience and personalized faculty support, you’ll graduate ready to make a meaningful impact—in classrooms, schools and communities.
Explore Graduate Programs
Through advanced coursework, hands-on experience and personalized faculty support, you’ll graduate ready to make a meaningful impact—in classrooms, schools and communities.
Pathways to Licensure
Our pathways to licensure are built to support you — whether you're a recent graduate,
a teacher assistant or making a career change. With flexible, accessible options,
we help you meet North Carolina’s licensure requirements while gaining the skills
and support you need to thrive in the classroom.
Educator Prep Program
UNC Pembroke’s Educator Preparation Program equips future teachers to lead with confidence,
compassion and cultural awareness. With undergraduate and graduate options — including
the BS in Elementary Education and MAT — the program blends classroom learning with
real-world teaching experience and meets all North Carolina licensure standards.
TA to Teacher
Advance from teacher's assistant to fully licensed teacher. With night and weekend
classes, the TA to Teacher Pathway allows you to continue working while earning your
degree. This pathway is for TAs with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science
degree.
Residency Licensure
UNC Pembroke’s Residency Licensure pathway is designed for professionals looking to
make the change to teaching and individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to begin
teaching while completing licensure requirements. This program allows candidates to
teach under a renewable one-year license while enrolled in an approved Educator Preparation
Program. It’s aligned with the Master of Arts in Teaching and helps participants transition
to full licensure within three years.
The Power to
Change Lives
Dedicated Support for Aspiring Educators
We offer personalized support and resources to help you grow as an educator, feel
confident in the classroom and build relationships with faculty, staff and peers that
will last a lifetime.
University School Partnerships and Clinical Practice
University School Partnerships and Clinical Practice will help you grow as a future teacher. You’ll find support for field experience, internships and exam prep.
Take part in mentoring, attend workshops and connect with experienced educators. Build the skills you need to lead in the classroom.
Field Experience & Internship Placement
Field experience is required, but you don't have to stress about finding placement. University School Partnerships and Clinical Practice will arrange all field experiences and internship placements, connecting students with diverse, high-quality placements that align with their coursework and goals.
Get Help with Licensure
The Licensure Office helps you navigate the requirements to become a certified teacher. Receive guidance on completing licensure exams, preparing for your classroom internship and applying for your teaching license. We’re here to help you navigate every step of the licensure process. Current students should visit MyUNCP for forms and requirements. For questions, contact us at 910.521.6397.
Resources & Opportunities
Empowering future educators starts with support. The School of Education is committed
to providing the resources you need for success — at UNCP and beyond.
More than a Scholarship
We’ve teamed up with Columbus County Schools, the Public Schools of Robeson County, Scotland County Schools
and Whiteville City Schools to provide you with financial help and career opportunities.
The Brave Scholars program is a needs-based scholarship that seeks to provide financial
and professional support to future educators who make a commitment to serve in one
of our partner districts following graduation.
All undergraduate education majors may apply.
I want to be someone special in a student’s life, helping them realize their potential. Changing even one person’s life would mean I’ve achieved my goal.
Brave Scholar
Scholarships, Mentorship and Leadership in Education
Make a Difference Where It Matters Most
The Teaching Fellows program prepares you to teach in high-need areas—like STEM, special education, and low-performing schools—while supporting your journey every step of the way.
Why Become a Teaching Fellow?
Because it’s more than just a career—it’s a chance to change lives.
As a Fellow, you’ll:
- Study at one of 8 top educator preparation programs
- Receive up to $5,000 per semester in financial aid
- Gain hands-on experience and personalized support
- Connect with a statewide network of peers and alumni
- Access professional development and one-on-one coaching through the New Teacher Support Program
Degree Pathways:
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
- Special Education
- Elementary Education
The need is great—and so is the opportunity.
Be part of the legacy. Be the difference.
As a teaching fellow, you will be prepared, equipped, connected and supported to ensure your success.
Director of Teaching Fellows
Know where you're going
All candidates seeking initial licensure in North Carolina must submit qualifying
scores on the appropriate edTPA performance-based, subject-specific assessment. In
addition, passing scores on the required licensure exams, as outlined by the current
North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) policy, must be submitted. (Note: As per current policy, no licensure exam is required for Birth–Kindergarten candidates.)
Candidates should begin the licensure application process immediately after completing their internship. Official score reports must be sent directly to both UNC Pembroke (UNCP Code: 5534) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction by the testing company.
Personal or candidate copies of score reports will not be accepted.
Educational Testing Services
NC Foundations in Reading/General Curriculum
Candidates should begin the licensure application process immediately after completing their internship. Official score reports must be sent directly to both UNC Pembroke (UNCP Code: 5534) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction by the testing company.
Personal or candidate copies of score reports will not be accepted.
Additional Resource: Practice Exams
Jumpstart Your Career
TeachNC is a free, comprehensive resource designed to support aspiring educators at every stage of their journey toward becoming licensed teachers in North Carolina. Launched in 2019 through a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, TEACH.org, and BEST NC, TeachNC is committed to elevating the teaching profession and expanding the pipeline of highly qualified educators across the state.
By creating a free account, you’ll unlock a suite of personalized tools and support, including:
- Step-by-step licensure guidance
- A searchable directory of teacher preparation programs
- Financial aid and scholarship information
- One-on-one coaching from licensure experts
Whether you're just beginning to explore a career in teaching or ready to apply to
a program, TeachNC offers the resources, clarity, and support you need to take the
next step with confidence.
Pursue Your Passion
At UNC Pembroke, the Educator Preparation Program is built on a shared commitment to the mission of public education — preparing P–12
learners to succeed and lead in a vibrant, democratic society. We believe that every
student deserves access to exceptional instruction, resources and opportunities —
and that great teachers make all the difference.
That’s where you come in.
We invite passionate, experienced educators to partner with us in preparing the next generation of teachers. By mentoring future educators, you'll not only share your expertise but also help shape the future of the profession. Your insights, guidance and leadership are vital to ensuring our teacher candidates are well-prepared, collaborative and committed to educational equity and excellence.
Join a community that values your impact—and help us strengthen the future of public education, one teacher at a time.
EPP Pathway
That’s where you come in.
We invite passionate, experienced educators to partner with us in preparing the next generation of teachers. By mentoring future educators, you'll not only share your expertise but also help shape the future of the profession. Your insights, guidance and leadership are vital to ensuring our teacher candidates are well-prepared, collaborative and committed to educational equity and excellence.
Join a community that values your impact—and help us strengthen the future of public education, one teacher at a time.
Teacher Performance Assessment
edTPA is a performance-based, subject-specific assessment designed to evaluate the
readiness of aspiring teachers to enter the classroom.
Developed by Stanford University and administered by Pearson, edTPA requires teacher candidates to create a portfolio during their student teaching experience. This portfolio includes lesson plans, video recordings of instruction, student work samples, and reflective commentaries.
The assessment focuses on three core areas: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment, aiming to ensure that new teachers are prepared to support student learning effectively from their first day on the job.
About edTPA
Developed by Stanford University and administered by Pearson, edTPA requires teacher candidates to create a portfolio during their student teaching experience. This portfolio includes lesson plans, video recordings of instruction, student work samples, and reflective commentaries.
The assessment focuses on three core areas: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment, aiming to ensure that new teachers are prepared to support student learning effectively from their first day on the job.
The North Carolina New Teacher Support Program (NC NTSP) is a comprehensive, university-based
induction program offering a research-based curriculum and multiple services designed
to increase teacher effectiveness, enhance skills and reduce attrition among beginning
teachers.
The goal of the NC NTSP is to improve student achievement by improving beginning teacher effectiveness and promoting teacher retention through an instructional skills institute, intensive individualized classroom coaching and aligned professional development sessions.
Instructional Skills Institute: Teachers are offered the opportunity to collaborate and learn from the state-wide team of instructional coaches at a yearly intensive institute. The state-wide team designs and delivers professional development that aligns with planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement.
Intensive, Individualized Classroom Coaching: Participants receive individualized instructional coaching that aligns with planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement. Coaches engage teachers in coaching cycles that include: lesson and strategy modeling of best practices, co-teaching, co-planning, observation/feedback, in-the-moment coaching and data analysis.
Aligned Professional Development Sessions: NC NTSP instructional coaches provide engaging professional development sessions aligned to planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement. Coaches collaborate with district leaders to determine, design and deliver professional development that aligns to their identified needs.
The goal of the NC NTSP is to improve student achievement by improving beginning teacher effectiveness and promoting teacher retention through an instructional skills institute, intensive individualized classroom coaching and aligned professional development sessions.
Instructional Skills Institute: Teachers are offered the opportunity to collaborate and learn from the state-wide team of instructional coaches at a yearly intensive institute. The state-wide team designs and delivers professional development that aligns with planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement.
Intensive, Individualized Classroom Coaching: Participants receive individualized instructional coaching that aligns with planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement. Coaches engage teachers in coaching cycles that include: lesson and strategy modeling of best practices, co-teaching, co-planning, observation/feedback, in-the-moment coaching and data analysis.
Aligned Professional Development Sessions: NC NTSP instructional coaches provide engaging professional development sessions aligned to planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement. Coaches collaborate with district leaders to determine, design and deliver professional development that aligns to their identified needs.
First Steps
The Praxis Core is a series of standardized tests in reading, writing, and mathematics
required for admission to UNC Pembroke’s Educator Preparation Program. While some
applicants may be exempt based on qualifying SAT or ACT scores, most must achieve
passing scores to proceed. UNCP offers extensive support, including tutoring, study
resources, and personalized guidance, to help candidates succeed in meeting this critical
licensure requirement.
About Praxis
Kappa Delta Pi & Chi Sigma Iota
Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society for educators. It offers extra support and unique
opportunities at the beginning of your journey as an educator. As a member, you’ll
access exclusive networking events and professional development. You’ll also be joining
a community dedicated to excellence in teaching.
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) at UNC Pembroke is a society for counseling students who excel in their field. Being a member gives you a chance to connect with others, build your skills, and grow professionally. You’ll have access to valuable resources and support as you prepare for your counseling career.
About Kappa Delta Pi
Chi Sigma Iota
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) at UNC Pembroke is a society for counseling students who excel in their field. Being a member gives you a chance to connect with others, build your skills, and grow professionally. You’ll have access to valuable resources and support as you prepare for your counseling career.
More than a Scholarship
We’ve teamed up with Columbus County Schools, the Public Schools of Robeson County, Scotland County Schools
and Whiteville City Schools to provide you with financial help and career opportunities.
The Brave Scholars program is a needs-based scholarship that seeks to provide financial
and professional support to future educators who make a commitment to serve in one
of our partner districts following graduation.
All undergraduate education majors may apply.
I want to be someone special in a student’s life, helping them realize their potential. Changing even one person’s life would mean I’ve achieved my goal.
Brave Scholar
Scholarships, Mentorship and Leadership in Education
Make a Difference Where It Matters Most
The Teaching Fellows program prepares you to teach in high-need areas—like STEM, special education, and low-performing schools—while supporting your journey every step of the way.
Why Become a Teaching Fellow?
Because it’s more than just a career—it’s a chance to change lives.
As a Fellow, you’ll:
- Study at one of 8 top educator preparation programs
- Receive up to $5,000 per semester in financial aid
- Gain hands-on experience and personalized support
- Connect with a statewide network of peers and alumni
- Access professional development and one-on-one coaching through the New Teacher Support Program
Degree Pathways:
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
- Special Education
- Elementary Education
The need is great—and so is the opportunity.
Be part of the legacy. Be the difference.
As a teaching fellow, you will be prepared, equipped, connected and supported to ensure your success.
Director of Teaching Fellows
Know where you're going
All candidates seeking initial licensure in North Carolina must submit qualifying
scores on the appropriate edTPA performance-based, subject-specific assessment. In
addition, passing scores on the required licensure exams, as outlined by the current
North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) policy, must be submitted. (Note: As per current policy, no licensure exam is required for Birth–Kindergarten candidates.)
Candidates should begin the licensure application process immediately after completing their internship. Official score reports must be sent directly to both UNC Pembroke (UNCP Code: 5534) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction by the testing company.
Personal or candidate copies of score reports will not be accepted.
Educational Testing Services
NC Foundations in Reading/General Curriculum
Candidates should begin the licensure application process immediately after completing their internship. Official score reports must be sent directly to both UNC Pembroke (UNCP Code: 5534) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction by the testing company.
Personal or candidate copies of score reports will not be accepted.
Additional Resource: Practice Exams
Jumpstart Your Career
TeachNC is a free, comprehensive resource designed to support aspiring educators at every stage of their journey toward becoming licensed teachers in North Carolina. Launched in 2019 through a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, TEACH.org, and BEST NC, TeachNC is committed to elevating the teaching profession and expanding the pipeline of highly qualified educators across the state.
By creating a free account, you’ll unlock a suite of personalized tools and support, including:
- Step-by-step licensure guidance
- A searchable directory of teacher preparation programs
- Financial aid and scholarship information
- One-on-one coaching from licensure experts
Whether you're just beginning to explore a career in teaching or ready to apply to
a program, TeachNC offers the resources, clarity, and support you need to take the
next step with confidence.
Pursue Your Passion
At UNC Pembroke, the Educator Preparation Program is built on a shared commitment to the mission of public education — preparing P–12
learners to succeed and lead in a vibrant, democratic society. We believe that every
student deserves access to exceptional instruction, resources and opportunities —
and that great teachers make all the difference.
That’s where you come in.
We invite passionate, experienced educators to partner with us in preparing the next generation of teachers. By mentoring future educators, you'll not only share your expertise but also help shape the future of the profession. Your insights, guidance and leadership are vital to ensuring our teacher candidates are well-prepared, collaborative and committed to educational equity and excellence.
Join a community that values your impact—and help us strengthen the future of public education, one teacher at a time.
EPP Pathway
That’s where you come in.
We invite passionate, experienced educators to partner with us in preparing the next generation of teachers. By mentoring future educators, you'll not only share your expertise but also help shape the future of the profession. Your insights, guidance and leadership are vital to ensuring our teacher candidates are well-prepared, collaborative and committed to educational equity and excellence.
Join a community that values your impact—and help us strengthen the future of public education, one teacher at a time.
Teacher Performance Assessment
edTPA is a performance-based, subject-specific assessment designed to evaluate the
readiness of aspiring teachers to enter the classroom.
Developed by Stanford University and administered by Pearson, edTPA requires teacher candidates to create a portfolio during their student teaching experience. This portfolio includes lesson plans, video recordings of instruction, student work samples, and reflective commentaries.
The assessment focuses on three core areas: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment, aiming to ensure that new teachers are prepared to support student learning effectively from their first day on the job.
About edTPA
Developed by Stanford University and administered by Pearson, edTPA requires teacher candidates to create a portfolio during their student teaching experience. This portfolio includes lesson plans, video recordings of instruction, student work samples, and reflective commentaries.
The assessment focuses on three core areas: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment, aiming to ensure that new teachers are prepared to support student learning effectively from their first day on the job.
The North Carolina New Teacher Support Program (NC NTSP) is a comprehensive, university-based
induction program offering a research-based curriculum and multiple services designed
to increase teacher effectiveness, enhance skills and reduce attrition among beginning
teachers.
The goal of the NC NTSP is to improve student achievement by improving beginning teacher effectiveness and promoting teacher retention through an instructional skills institute, intensive individualized classroom coaching and aligned professional development sessions.
Instructional Skills Institute: Teachers are offered the opportunity to collaborate and learn from the state-wide team of instructional coaches at a yearly intensive institute. The state-wide team designs and delivers professional development that aligns with planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement.
Intensive, Individualized Classroom Coaching: Participants receive individualized instructional coaching that aligns with planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement. Coaches engage teachers in coaching cycles that include: lesson and strategy modeling of best practices, co-teaching, co-planning, observation/feedback, in-the-moment coaching and data analysis.
Aligned Professional Development Sessions: NC NTSP instructional coaches provide engaging professional development sessions aligned to planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement. Coaches collaborate with district leaders to determine, design and deliver professional development that aligns to their identified needs.
The goal of the NC NTSP is to improve student achievement by improving beginning teacher effectiveness and promoting teacher retention through an instructional skills institute, intensive individualized classroom coaching and aligned professional development sessions.
Instructional Skills Institute: Teachers are offered the opportunity to collaborate and learn from the state-wide team of instructional coaches at a yearly intensive institute. The state-wide team designs and delivers professional development that aligns with planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement.
Intensive, Individualized Classroom Coaching: Participants receive individualized instructional coaching that aligns with planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement. Coaches engage teachers in coaching cycles that include: lesson and strategy modeling of best practices, co-teaching, co-planning, observation/feedback, in-the-moment coaching and data analysis.
Aligned Professional Development Sessions: NC NTSP instructional coaches provide engaging professional development sessions aligned to planning, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement. Coaches collaborate with district leaders to determine, design and deliver professional development that aligns to their identified needs.
First Steps
The Praxis Core is a series of standardized tests in reading, writing, and mathematics
required for admission to UNC Pembroke’s Educator Preparation Program. While some
applicants may be exempt based on qualifying SAT or ACT scores, most must achieve
passing scores to proceed. UNCP offers extensive support, including tutoring, study
resources, and personalized guidance, to help candidates succeed in meeting this critical
licensure requirement.
About Praxis
Kappa Delta Pi & Chi Sigma Iota
Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society for educators. It offers extra support and unique
opportunities at the beginning of your journey as an educator. As a member, you’ll
access exclusive networking events and professional development. You’ll also be joining
a community dedicated to excellence in teaching.
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) at UNC Pembroke is a society for counseling students who excel in their field. Being a member gives you a chance to connect with others, build your skills, and grow professionally. You’ll have access to valuable resources and support as you prepare for your counseling career.
About Kappa Delta Pi
Chi Sigma Iota
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) at UNC Pembroke is a society for counseling students who excel in their field. Being a member gives you a chance to connect with others, build your skills, and grow professionally. You’ll have access to valuable resources and support as you prepare for your counseling career.
Interested in the School of Education?
Our staff members are here to assist you.
or call us at 910.521.6539
Office of the Dean
This summer, future educators from UNC Pembroke stepped beyond the classroom into a global learning experience through a week-long study abroad trip to Italy. Dr. Melissa Wrenn doesn’t just study literacy—she amplifies it. As the newly appointed Joseph B. Oxendine Distinguished Scholar at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, she is already setting the stage for big conversations. UNC Pembroke is partnering with Sandhills Community College (SCC) and Moore County Schools (MCS) to combat the teacher shortage while supporting local students pursuing careers in the classroom.
Events
Mark your calendars for upcoming events and speakers at the School of Education.
School of Education News
Jun 26 Brave Scholars Gain Global Insight During Summer Study Abroad in Italy
Feb 14 A Scholar with a Mission: Elevating Literacy from Pembroke to the World
Jul 3 UNCP, Sandhills Community College, Moore County Schools launch new teacher pipeline program