Our department comprises two programs: Reading/Language Arts and Special Education. The department offers innovative programs focusing on all facets of reading, writing, language arts and specific areas of special education. We also offer the Anderson Reading Clinic, which provides direct services to children with reading disabilities.
The Reading and Language Arts Program (RLA) has a reputation of being the finest in the state of North Carolina. The Advanced Master's degree in reading at Appalachian offers two concentrations to persons who are interested in teaching reading and language arts: Classroom/Clinical and Adult Literacy. The Reading Program also offers an add-on certificate in Reading.
The Special Education Program is one of the strongest programs in the College of Education offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The undergraduate program prepares future teachers to work with students with disabilities. Completion of this degree leads to certification in either Special Education: General Curriculum K-12 or Special Education: Adapted Curriculum K-12. The graduate program offers a Master of Arts in Special Education which includes coursework in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, and Learning Disabilities. Students can also earn a Graduate Reading Certificate which may lead to licensure as a reading teacher in North Carolina or the Graduate Autism Certificate.
Mission Statement
The Reich College of Education (RCOE) prepares graduates for leadership and outstanding service to the public in the fields of education and human services. This preparation includes a broad range of degrees at the Baccalaureate, Master's, Specialist, and Doctoral levels as well as licensure and certification programs.
Vision Statement
The vision of RCOE is to enhance practice in the fields of education and human services by preparing graduates for leadership and outstanding service; partnering with the local, regional, national, and international community to identify and address educational and community needs; and cultivating deeper and broader understandings through research and theory development. We view ourselves as a collaborative community of practice which promotes excellence in teaching, learning, research, scholarship, and outreach, with a particular emphasis on global engagement, intercultural diversity, and issues of social justice. To fulfill this vision, the RCOE engages traditional and non-traditional students in rigorous and relevant coursework that utilizes cutting-edge technologies, diverse research and theory, culturally-relevant instruction, and robust career-based activity.
Accreditation
Our teacher licensure programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).