Special Education Add-On
Thayer School of Education
Special Education Add-On Licensure
(General Curriculum)
The Thayer School of Education at Wingate University offers a Special Education Add-On Licensure (General Curriculum) program designed for current teacher licensure candidates and licensed educators seeking to expand their expertise in serving diverse learners. This five-course program prepares educators with the knowledge, skills, and field-based experiences needed to support students with exceptionalities in inclusive and specialized settings.
Candidates develop expertise in differentiated instruction, evidence-based literacy and mathematics interventions, behavior support, assessment practices, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development. Coursework emphasizes Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and culturally responsive practices that promote meaningful access and success for all learners.
Special Education is a high-need licensure area in North Carolina, and this program provides a streamlined pathway to expand your professional impact and career opportunities. Upon completion of coursework and successful passage of required licensure exams, candidates may add Special Education (General Curriculum) licensure.
Program Highlights
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Five-course sequence with embedded field experiences
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Preparation in IEP development, assessment, and behavior support
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Focus on inclusive practices and evidence-based instruction
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Designed for current teacher candidates and practicing educators
Current Students in Education Majors
Are you pursuing your teaching license? Consider adding this add-on licensure to expand your impact and increase your marketability. You may be just two to four courses away from adding the Special Education (general curriculum) Licensure to your degree. This is one of North Carolina's highest-need certification areas.
Why Special Education?
- Meet a critical need in NC schools
- Graduate with dual licensure
- Increase hiring flexibility and career opportunities
- Strengthen your expertise in inclusion, IEPs, and behavior support
- Make a meaningful difference for diverse learners
Required Courses
- ED/SPED 305
- ED/SPED 308
- ED/SPED 357/358
- SPED 360
- SPED 370
Why Now?
Special Education (Exceptional Children) is a state shortage area in North Carolina. Help fill the gap while also boosting your resume and career flexibility.
Already Licensed Teachers
Are you already licensed in North Carolina? Consider adding this add-on licensure to expand your impact and increase your marketability. This is one of North Carolina's highest-need certification areas.
Why Special Education?
- Meet a critical need in NC schools
- Earn an additional licensure in a high-demand field
- Expand your career flexibility and opportunities
- Strengthen your expertise in inclusion, IEPs, and behavior support
- Make a meaningful difference for diverse learners
Required Courses
- ED/SPED 305
- ED/SPED 308
- ED/SPED 357/358
- SPED 360
- SPED 370
Program Benefits
- IEP development & special education law
- Evidence-based literacy & math interventions
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) & BIP strategies
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & MTSS
- Inclusive and collaborative teaching methods
