Department of
Specialized Education Services
Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Initial Licensure (PAIL)
This program is designed to provide initial teacher licensure in special education: general curriculum to individuals who have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university in a field other than education and desire to work in K-12 classrooms. In PAIL, students complete foundation courses in assessment in special education, instructional practices for students with mild to moderate disabilities, learning theory, and models of teaching. Specialty area courses in instructional practices for students with mild to moderate disabilities provide an introduction to the field, methods for teaching in the field, programming for the field, and clinical field experience. Throughout their course work, students have numerous opportunities to use cases and problem-based learning that includes appropriate implementation of inclusive practices.
Students also have an option for transitioning from this program into the M.Ed. program in which they may earn an additional license in learning disabilities (LD) or behavior/emotional disabilities (BED). Should a student desire to transition to the M.Ed. program, they must do so prior to completing 12 credit hours of PAIL. Up to 18 credit hours of course work from the plan of study for the Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Initial Teacher Licensure program in Special Education: General Curriculum may be applied to the Special Education: General Curriculum M.Ed. (with LD and BED options). A student must meet all admission requirements of the Graduate School and the Department of Specialized Education Services. Admission to the PAIL program does not constitute admission to the M.Ed. program in Special Education nor any other Graduate School degree program.
Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Initial Teacher Licensure Program
Special Education: General Curriculum
- SES 540 Introduction to Exceptional Individuals
- SES 640 Policies and Procedures in Special Education
- SES 641 Assessment of Individuals with Special Needs
- SES 642 Mild Disabilities: Reading Instruction
- SES 652 Mild Disabilities: Math/Written Language Instruction
- SES 659 Behavior Management
- SES 661 Teaching Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
PAIL with Special Education: General Curriculum M.ED. and licensure in learning disabilities (LD) or behavior/emotional disabilities (BED) (45 credits)
Above 21 credits plus the following (24 credits):
- SES 643 Issues in Educating Individuals with Special Needs
- SES 660 Families, Schools and Students with Exceptionalities
- ERM 604 Methods of Educational Research
- SES 647 Collaboration in Special Education
Categorical coursework (students choose one options):
LD Option
- SES 655 Introduction to Learning Disabilities
- SES 656 Methods for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
- SES 648 Secondary Programming: Students with Mild Disabilities
- SES 649 Practicum in Special Education
BED Option
- SES 657 Introduction to Behavior/Emotional Disabilities
- SES 658 Methods for Teaching Students with Behavior/Emotional Disabilities
- SES 648 Secondary Programming: Students with Mild Disabilities
- SES 649 Practicum in Special Education
PAIL Technology Portfolio Guidelines
Download Special Education Graduate Program Handbook (PDF)
Add-on Licensure
Beginning with the Fall 2004 semester, add-on licensure is available only to students who have completed a master's degree AND hold a teaching license in special education. If you have questions about add-on licensure, please contact the department.
Application to MASTERS program from PAIL - PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS PROCEDURE HAS CHANGED EFFECTIVE 8/24/09
*It is the students' responsibility to initiate the process and review it with their advisor before completing 12 program credits.
- Within the first 12 hours, a new application for the M.Ed. must be completed by the PAIL student to the Graduate School. It is recommended that the student take the GRE within the first 6 hours of study to guarantee a timelier processing of their application package.
Missing information will delay the processing of the application.
- Student will be notified in writing by the Graduate School that their application has been accepted or denied.
Contact: Dr. Teresa Little at tclittle@uncg.edu or the SES Department at ses@uncg.edu to request more information.