Flexible Degree Pathway
Turn your school-based experience into a bachelor’s degree and a pathway to teacher certification through a flexible program designed around the needs of working school professionals.
Who This Program Serves
Designed for school professionals
Build on the experience you already have in schools as you work toward your degree and prepare for the next step toward becoming a certified teacher.
Built for Working School Professionals
The Aides to Teachers Program gives working school professionals a flexible path toward earning a bachelor’s degree and pursuing teacher certification.
Teacher aides, paraprofessionals, associate teachers, and other school staff members can build on their experience, strengthen their skills, and prepare for the next step in their teaching career.
Reduced Tuition
An affordable degree pathway created for working school professionals.
Flexible Classes
Coursework is designed to accommodate the schedules of working school professionals.
Peer Support
Learn alongside a supportive network of district aides and other school professionals.
Scholarships
Community scholarship opportunities may help reduce the cost of earning your degree.
Student Story
Hear from an Aides to Teachers 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 complete a minor in Curriculum and Instruction as part of their preparation to pursue Texas teacher certification in Early Childhood through Grade 6.
Transfer-Friendly
Eligible transfer coursework may be applied toward the degree plan through the Aides to Teachers Program.
Courses You Might Take
Technology and Education
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.
The Inclusive Classroom
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.
Classroom Observations and Reflections
Connect educational theory with classroom practice through guided observation and reflection.
Elementary Classroom Management
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.
Clinical Teaching
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 can lead to meaningful careers across a variety of education and child-focused settings.
Graduates may pursue 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
- Public and private preschools
- Elementary schools
- Head Start programs
- Social service agencies
- Childcare centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your path to the classroom
Find answers to common questions about completing your degree while continuing to build experience as a school professional.
Do I need to be currently employed by a school?
The Aides to Teachers Program is designed for teacher aides, paraprofessionals, associate teachers, and other school professionals. Contact the program director to discuss your current position and confirm your eligibility.
Are classes flexible for working school professionals?
Yes. The Aides to Teachers Program offers flexible coursework designed to accommodate the schedules of working school professionals. Course availability and delivery formats may vary by term.
Can my current school role count toward degree requirements?
Your current role within a school district may help you meet certain degree requirements through a teacher practicum. Your position and degree plan will be reviewed to determine how your experience may apply.
Can previous college credits transfer?
Eligible college coursework may be applied toward your degree. McMurry will evaluate your official transcripts to determine which credits transfer and how they fit into your individual degree plan.
What degree and certification does the program lead to?
Students pursue a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Curriculum and Instruction. The program prepares students to pursue Texas teacher certification in Early Childhood through Grade 6.
How does clinical teaching work if I am already employed?
Clinical teaching provides supervised classroom experience as you prepare for certification. Because employment situations vary, the program director will help you understand how clinical teaching requirements may fit with your current school role.
Is reduced tuition or scholarship funding available?
The program offers a reduced-tuition pathway for working professionals, and community scholarship opportunities may also be available. Eligibility and funding can vary, so contact McMurry for current tuition, scholarship, and financial-aid information.
How long will it take to complete the program?
Completion time depends on the number of eligible transfer credits, your course schedule, and remaining degree requirements. A transcript review will help McMurry develop a personalized path toward completion.
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 already understand the impact educators make every day. Connect with the Aides to Teachers Program to learn how your school experience and previous college credit may fit into a personalized path toward completing your degree and pursuing teacher certification.
