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Curriculum and Instruction

Turn your school experience into a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification pathway through a flexible program designed for working school professionals.

About the Program

A flexible pathway from school aide to full-time teacher.

Teacher aide helping a student with classroom work

The Aides to Teacher program provides working professionals in schools a flexible pathway toward a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification.

Any teacher aide, paraprofessional, associate teacher, or school staff member can participate in the program to upskill and prepare for a rewarding career as a full-time teacher.

Reduced Tuition

An affordable degree pathway for working professionals.

Flexible Classes

Coursework is designed to accommodate current work schedules.

Peer Support

A supportive network of other district aides and professionals.

Scholarships

Community scholarship opportunities are available.

Teacher aide working one-on-one with a student in a McMurry classroom setting

What You Can Earn

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Prepare for teacher certification in Early Childhood through Grade 6 with a degree plan built around your goals.

120+ Credit Hours

Students complete at least 120 credit hours, not including developmental courses.

Advanced Coursework

Students must complete at least 39 hours of advanced-level coursework.

Curriculum and Instruction Minor

The degree requires students to pursue a minor in Curriculum and Instruction to qualify for teacher certification in Early Childhood through Grade 6.

View catalog details

Transfer-Friendly

Students may transfer coursework and apply it to their degree plan through the Aides to Teacher program.

Courses You Might Take

Build the classroom skills students need.

Teacher aide working with a student on classroom learning materials
Technology and Education
Foundations of Learning and Development
The Inclusive Classroom
Special Learners
Classroom Observations and Reflections
Elementary Classroom Management
Elementary Planning and Assessment
Clinical Teaching

Careers

Use your current school role to move toward your next one.

Working with young children is rewarding and an excellent career choice. Aides to Teacher and early childhood education majors are prepared to move into roles in public and private preschools, elementary schools, Head Start programs, social service agencies, and childcare centers.

The program allows students to use their current role in the school district to meet degree requirements by completing a teacher practicum.

Aides to Teacher student helping a child with classroom work

Career Pathways

  • Public and private preschools
  • Elementary schools
  • Head Start programs
  • Social service agencies
  • Childcare centers

Frequently Asked Questions

A clear next step for working school professionals.

Who can participate in the Aides to Teacher program?

Teacher aides, paraprofessionals, associate teachers, and school staff members can participate in the program.

Can I keep working while I complete the program?

Yes. Flexible classes are designed to accommodate current work schedules.

What degree can I earn?

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.

Can previous coursework transfer?

Students may transfer coursework and apply it to their degree plan through the Aides to Teacher program.

Related Academic Programs

Explore more education pathways at McMurry.

Continue exploring programs that prepare students for meaningful work in classrooms, schools, and education-focused careers.

Need More Information?

Start your next chapter in the classroom.

As a teacher’s aide, you know first-hand the skills and talents needed to become a teacher. Enroll in the Aides to Teacher program to obtain your degree and teacher certification today.

Amanda Neal

Contact

Mrs. Amanda Neal

Program Director, Aides to Teacher / Instructor of Curriculum and Instruction