Austin Community College is partnering with Concordia University Texas to provide aspiring teachers a seamless education pathway.

The program is designed for students who are seeking or who have completed an Associate of Arts in Teaching from Austin Community College (ACC). Concordia University Texas will accept all credit hours from ACC’s early childhood through 6^th grade (EC-6) Associate of Arts in Teaching program toward a Bachelor of Arts through Concordia University’s Accelerated Degree Program.

“We are proud to offer this program to Central Texas students eager to pursue a degree and career in education,” DeEadra Green, Austin Center Dean for Concordia University Texas, said. “The ease of transferring credits from ACC combined with the flexible class schedule at Concordia—classes meet one day a week—should allow almost anyone interested in pursuing an education degree to be able to do so.”

ACC’s Associate of Arts in Teaching program is designed to provide students with the first two years of a four-year degree leading to teacher certification for those who are seeking certification in early childhood through sixth grade levels.

“ACC’s Associate of Arts in Teaching program gives students a solid foundation and an affordable start toward a bachelor’s degree,” Mike Midgley, vice president of instruction for Austin Community College, said. “This partnership with Concordia University Texas will allow our students pursuing a career in education to fully transfer their coursework and get the credentials they need to enter the workforce.”

Designed around a cohort model, a group of students begin and complete Concordia’s two-year program together by following a prescribed course sequence.

Students will complete coursework in early childhood education, classroom management and teaching strategies, which will prepare them for a career as a teacher and lay a foundation for other opportunities in education.

Students will also have the opportunity to complete a 14-week student-teaching experience in an area public school in order to practice what they have learned and gain real-world experience as a teacher.

Classes in Concordia’s two-year program will meet in the Spring and Fall in eight-week course increments.

To learn more about the early childhood education program, visit http://www.concordia.edu/teach. For more information on ACC’s Associate of Arts in Teaching, visit austincc.edu/educinst.