Online Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Initial Teacher Licensure

Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Initial Teacher Licensure (PAIL) at UNC Greensboro provides a pathway to initial teacher licensure in Special Education K-12: General Curriculum. This program is for students who hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than special education.

Through the fully online PAIL program, they complete foundational coursework in special education. They master instructional pathways for students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Upon completion, students may transition into the Master’s in Special Education advanced licensure program.

The Alternative Initial Teacher Licensure Student Experience

In the Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Initial Teacher Licensure program, students complete foundation courses in assessment in special education, instructional practices for students with mild to moderate disabilities, learning theory, and models of teaching.

Students take two classes in the summer, two in the fall, two in the spring. In the final fall semester, they complete their practicum, or student teaching.

Specialty area courses in instructional practices provide an introduction to the field, methods for teaching, programming, and clinical field experience. Throughout the course work, students have numerous opportunities to use cases and problem-based learning that include appropriate implementation of inclusive practices.

As part of the 21 credit hour course, students will complete the following:

• Introduction to Special Education
• Assessment in Special Education
• Individualized Education Programs and Legal Foundations
• Literacy Instruction for Students with Disabilities
• Math and Science Instruction
• Behavior Management

Graduate students in the School of Education benefit from hands-on learning that is woven throughout our programs and co-curricular opportunities. All students participate in a required practicum/student teaching experience. Those currently teaching may have the opportunity to complete practicum in their own classrooms if it aligns with the degree program.

What To Know About Applying For PAIL

PAIL only admits students in the summer. Interested students must apply by April 1.

This student type includes those who already have a Bachelor’s degree and are admitted into a degree program or one of the following eligible certificate programs:

• Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Initial Licensure (PAIL)
• NC TEACH Post-Baccalaureate Licensure Program

A second degree undergraduate student must:

• Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for all courses
• Complete their degree within 150% of the hours required for the second degree (maximum of 228 attempted hours, including the hours for first degree)
• Be enrolled at least half-time for most types of aid

After Receiving the Alternative Initial Teacher Licensure

The Department of Specialized Education Services prepares students for careers serving individuals with disabilities and those who are D/deaf or hard of hearing. They provide these services across schools, agencies, clinics, and organizations.

Many students who complete UNC Greensboro’s PAIL program are hired into the following positions:

• Special Education Teacher
• Inclusion Specialist
• Resource Teacher

Coursework completed as part of PAIL’s Special Education: General Curriculum may be applied toward the M.Ed. in Special Education.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the initial teaching license. You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. Review the Licensure Reciprocity Information.

LIVE OUTSIDE NORTH CAROLINA?

Currently, UNC Greensboro is authorized to offer online education in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Find out more about State Authorization — a law that regulates in which states colleges and universities can offer education.UNC Greensboro does not guarantee that programs which fulfill North Carolina licensure requirements will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states or territories. For further explanation, visit Professional Licensure.