The majority of the coursework during the first year consists of general education classes. The general education coursework is rooted in the ideals and and practices of liberal education. It is designed to prepare students through discovery, interpretation and creation of knowledge. Under the general education curriculum (designed for four semesters), students choose 44 hours of coursework from the following areas: writing, quantitative literacy, science inquiry, integrative learning experience, liberal studies experience, wellness literacy and first year seminar.

Students will begin their coursework in the teacher education field by taking two courses: Introduction to Learners, Teachers, and Schools and Foundations of Educational Equity. This course is designed to provide students with fundamental skills and knowledge to recognize teaching and learning as socially-constructed and context-bound experiences. Ten hours of clinical experience is required. The second course is an interdisciplinary course designed to help students develop a critical perspective on public schooling and its socioeconomic, political, cultural and historical role in society.

Students are fully immersed in their content area and teacher education coursework. They have increased field experiences in which they are able to apply their learning in a practical manner. All teacher education students take the next two professional core courses: Diverse Learners: Teaching and Learning and Assessment for Learning. The first course provides an emphasis on understanding teaching and learning from an ecological systems perspective that takes into account individual, family, school, and broader socio-cultural and political factors. The second course examines factors that influence assessment practices and policies in agencies, districts, schools, and classrooms.

Students take part in a 16 week student teaching experience that provides them with a real life opportunity to practice their teaching skills alongside a licensed and experienced classroom teacher. Students are immersed in their content, build upon their classroom management skills and reflect upon their practice with edTPA and portfolio projects. Students have an opportunity to spend five out of their 16 weeks in an English speaking school abroad through an International Student Teaching Experience.

Anderson Reading Clinic: The Anderson Reading Clinic provides direct service to children struggling with reading. Appalachian students working with these students learn to teach reading by teaching children directly while receiving guidance and constructive feedback from the experienced clinic supervisory staff. 

Lucy Brock Child Development Lab School: The Lucy Brock Child Development Lab School prepares Birth-Kindergarten teachers by providing hands-on professional development opportunities. Appalachian students observe children in their natural setting and have direct interaction with children in their classrooms. In addition, the Lucy Brock provides high quality care for young children and serves as a model program for best, new and innovative practices.  

Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork: The Academy at Middle Fork provides a balanced education for children in grades K-5 through the implementation of research-based practices, state of the art literacy instruction and exemplary classroom instruction. The goal of the academy is to become a model, demonstration school and resource for children, families, professionals and partners.

Appalachian State University Academy at Elkin: The Academy at Elkin is a learner-centered community that promotes exploration-based learning. Students are encouraged to think deeply and critically about learning that is meaningful and relevant to their culture, lives, and future.

Appalachian values the importance of preparation to teach diverse learners. Early in the teacher preparation program students begin taking courses to prepare them to understand and teach diverse populations. Concentrations are offered in Diverse Studies, Exceptional Learners, and Language, Literature and the English Learner. International Student Teaching is also an option.

Teacher education candidates are placed in classrooms with practicing teachers for multiple field experiences throughout their teacher preparation programs.  These field experiences include early field internships, methods-based internships and student teaching. Practicing teachers (clinical educators) are selected based on years of experience, teaching performance and principal recommendation. Clinical educators hosting student teachers are trained in effective coaching and mentoring practices at regional institutes that are hosted by our institution and through online training modules. University Field Supervisors work collaboratively with clinical educators to provide feedback to teacher candidates as they transition from students of teaching to teachers of students.

Programs are accredited under CAEP and are state approved by NCDPI. The College partners with area school districts and values input from these partners and from students and alumni. Input, feedback and data are shared and used to continuously improve programs.