Raising the Next Generation of Educators

Working together to elevate the next generation of Texas educators, Education Service Center Region 13, Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT), and ACU have partnered together to create the Classroom to Career Teaching Track. This innovative program offers students the opportunity to earn their associates degree through dual credit instruction, obtain their paraprofessional certification, and enter the workforce – immediately upon graduating high school. In as little as two additional years, they will be eligible to become a fully licensed teacher.
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Working together to elevate the next generation of Texas educators, Education Service Center Region 13, Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT), and ACU have partnered together to create the Classroom to Career Teaching Track. This innovative program offers students the opportunity to earn their associates degree through dual credit instruction, obtain their paraprofessional certification, and enter the workforce – immediately upon graduating high school. In as little as two additional years, they will be eligible to become a fully licensed teacher.

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ACU knows every student’s journey is unique and we believe everyone can be successful, given the right tools and support. Whether you are hoping to advance in your current field or change to an entirely new one, furthering your education is the first step towards that change. Supported by a faculty of Christian scholars, we prepare undergraduate and graduate students for service and leadership in both their personal and professional lives.

One of America’s Best Colleges

Newsweek Top Online Colleges 2024

Recognized as one of America’s Top Online Colleges for the third consecutive year by Newsweek and Statista Inc., ACU proudly stands among the nation’s premier online institutions. Seamlessly combining a top-tier education with the flexibility of an online format, ACU Online offers you a transformative learning experience. Discover the perfect balance of academic excellence and online convenience as you chart your course to success with ACU.

 

Classroom to Career

Creating Licensed Teachers Faster

Preparing your students for a brighter future, the Classroom to Career program will challenge how they think critically and grow into goal-oriented individuals focused on serving others while becoming a crucial part of the education staff in your district.

 

Earn an Associates Degree by High School Graduation

Program Description

The Classroom to Career program was designed to allow districts to invest in their student base by increasing the pool of paraprofessionals within their district, while also providing a residency-type experience for the teacher candidates. In doing so, the Classroom to Career Teaching Track provides a core curriculum that can transfer to any four-year institution and equates to an associate’s degree. Additionally, recruited students will automatically be placed into the district’s system to serve as substitute teachers or in vacant paraprofessional positions while continuing their studies toward a future bachelor’s degree.

Program Format

Woven into your current high school curriculum, recruited students will take their required courses for graduation while gaining a total of 60 dual credits and an Associate of Arts in Teaching through LIT. The collegiate coursework includes:

LIT Core CoursesLIT Core Course Names
EDUC 1100Learning Framework
ARTS 1301Art Appreciation
HIST 1301/1302United States History I & II
SPCH 1315Public Speaking
PSYC 2301General Psychology
ENGL 1301/1302Composition I & II
MATH 1314College Algebra
ENGL 2321British Literature
GOVT 2305Federal Government
GOVT 2306Texas Government
BIOL 2301/2101Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 2302/2102Anatomy and Physiology II
CoursesLIT Complete Teaching AS
EDUC 1301Introduction to Education
EDUC 2301Special Populations
BIOL 1322Nutrition & Diet Therapy
PHYS 1305Elementary Physics I
MATH 1350Math for Teachers
MATH 1351Math for Teachers
MATH 1314College Algebra
ENGL 2321British Literature
GOVT 2305Federal Government
GOVT 2306Texas Government
BIOL 2301/2101Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 2302/2102Anatomy and Physiology II

Accelerate into a Bachelor’s Degree

Program Description

Following high school graduation, your students will automatically receive acceptance into Abilene Christian University and enroll in the online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies degree program. Uniquely designed to dovetail with ACU’s work-embedded Educator Preparation Program*, students will focus on two concentrations, such as psychology and early childhood/elementary certification (or other areas as appropriate and approved by ACU).

*Pending final approval from the Texas Education Agency.

Program Format

ACU’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies, students will be able to transfer their LIT dual credit hours to complete their bachelor’s degree in less than two years versus the traditional four. Connect their dream of being a teacher with your goals of acquiring instructional staff who don’t just understand your community but are part of it.

ACU’s accredited faculty will determine the required course plans as your students acclimate to a four-year institution. A sample degree plan could consist of the following:

Early Childhood Courses 
READ 363Foundations of Reading
SPED 371Teaching Students with Special Needs
EDUC 411Elementary Curriculum, Materials, and Media
EDUC 431Elementary Management and Methods
EDUC 476Effective Teaching Strategies for English Learners
EDUC 490Clinical Teaching
 Psychology Courses 
PSYO 241Cognition and Learning
PSYO 370Social Psychology
PSYO 392Child Psychology
 Additional Courses 
BIBO 103Story of the New Testament
BIBO 211Message of the Old Testament
BITO 342Christianity in Culture
READ 464Reading-Writing Correction
READ 460Reading Assessment and Instruciton
EACH 440Special Topics
15 Hours of Electives

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you will obtain your teaching certification upon graduation.

WHY GET AN ONLINE DEGREE FROM ACU?

Did you know that Abilene Christian University is among the nation’s best universities? This year, U.S. News & World Report in its annual “Best Colleges” list ranked ACU as #2 in “Most Innovative” and #16 in “Best Regional Universities” in the West and #9 in “Learning Communities” nationally. Combine this educational excellence with the flexibility of an online format and it’s easy to understand why earning your degree from ACU Online makes sense. Whether you’re married and juggling work and kids, or a single professional meeting the demands of a growing career, ACU Online can fit into your busy life.