Flexible Degree Pathway
Turn your school-based experience into a bachelor’s degree and a pathway to teacher certification through a flexible program designed for working school professionals.
Who This Program Serves
Designed for school professionals
Build on your classroom and school experience as you prepare to earn your degree and take the next step toward becoming a certified teacher.
Teacher aides
Paraprofessionals
Associate teachers
Other school staff members
Built for Working School Professionals
The Aides to Teacher program gives working school professionals a flexible path toward earning a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification.
Teacher aides, paraprofessionals, associate teachers, and other school staff members can build on their experience, strengthen their skills, and prepare for a rewarding career as a full-time teacher.
Reduced Tuition
An affordable degree pathway created for working professionals.
Flexible Classes
Coursework is designed to accommodate current work schedules.
Peer Support
Learn alongside a supportive network of district aides and school professionals.
Scholarships
Community scholarship opportunities may help reduce the cost of earning your degree.
Student Story
Hear from an Aides to Teacher student
See how McMurry helped Kelli Hobbs continue working in education while earning her bachelor’s degree and pursuing teacher certification.
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
Students pursue a minor in Curriculum and Instruction to qualify for teacher certification in Early Childhood through Grade 6.
Transfer-Friendly
Eligible transfer coursework may be applied toward the degree plan through the Aides to Teacher program.
Courses You Might Take
Technology and Education
Explore digital tools and strategies that support effective teaching and student learning.
Explore digital tools and strategies that support effective teaching and student learning.
Foundations of Learning and Development
Examine how students grow, develop, and learn throughout their educational journey.
Examine how students grow, develop, and learn throughout their educational journey.
The Inclusive Classroom
Learn how to create welcoming classrooms that support students with diverse needs.
Learn how to create welcoming classrooms that support students with diverse needs.
Special Learners
Develop strategies for supporting students with exceptional learning strengths and needs.
Develop strategies for supporting students with exceptional learning strengths and needs.
Classroom Observations and Reflections
Connect educational theory with classroom practice through guided observation and reflection.
Connect educational theory with classroom practice through guided observation and reflection.
Elementary Classroom Management
Build practical skills for creating organized, productive, and supportive classrooms.
Build practical skills for creating organized, productive, and supportive classrooms.
Elementary Planning and Assessment
Create purposeful lessons and use assessment to guide instruction and student progress.
Create purposeful lessons and use assessment to guide instruction and student progress.
Clinical Teaching
Apply your knowledge in a supervised classroom setting as you prepare for certification.
Apply your knowledge in a supervised classroom setting as you prepare for certification.
Careers
Build on Your Experience
Use your current school role to move toward your next one.
Working with young children is rewarding and can lead to meaningful careers across a variety of education and child-focused settings.
Aides to Teacher and early childhood education students are prepared for opportunities in schools, Head Start programs, social service agencies, childcare centers, and other learning environments.
Turn your current job into hands-on experience
Students may use their current role within a school district to help meet degree requirements through a teacher practicum.
Career Settings
Where this degree can take you
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Public and private preschools -
Elementary schools -
Head Start programs -
Social service agencies -
Childcare centers
Related Academic Programs
Explore Your Options
Continue exploring education pathways that prepare students for meaningful work in classrooms, schools, and education-focused careers.
Early Childhood Education, ESL Endorsement, and Bilingual Education
Multidisciplinary Studies II
Grades 4–8
Multidisciplinary Studies I
Grades 7–12
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.
