The K-12 education degree program is also known as a general teaching program. This is usually to provide the teacher with the necessary background and skills to perform in the role as a teacher in grades K- 12 and prepare them for licensing. The student teacher might also choose to specialize in certain areas such as reading or English as a second language or perhaps special education, however specialization is not required for a degree in K- 12 education degree graduate, or for a teaching certificate.