Raising the Next Generation of Educators

Working together to elevate the next generation of Texas educators, Abilene Christian University ACU and your district have partnered together to create the Classroom to Career Teaching Track. This innovative program offers high school students the opportunity to earn their associates degree through dual credit instruction, and enter the workforce immediately upon graduating high school. In as little as three additional years after high school graduation, you will be eligible to become a fully licensed teacher.
Home/ Professional Education/ Partners Program/ K-12 Education/ Classroom to Career

Working together to elevate the next generation of Texas educators, Abilene Christian University ACU and your district have partnered together to create the Classroom to Career Teaching Track. This innovative program offers high school students the opportunity to earn their associates degree through dual credit instruction, and enter the workforce immediately upon graduating high school. In as little as three additional years after high school graduation, you will be eligible to become a fully licensed teacher.

Main Content

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

Named one of America’s Top Online Colleges for the fourth year in a row by Newsweek and Statista Inc., ACU continues to set the standard for online education. With a commitment to delivering academic excellence in a flexible online format, ACU Online empowers you to achieve your goals without compromising your lifestyle. Experience a world-class education designed to help you succeed—anytime, anywhere.

Classroom to Career

Creating Licensed Teachers Faster

Preparing you for a brighter future, the Classroom to Career program encourages critical thinking and fosters the development of goal-oriented individuals dedicated to serving others. By participating, you will be well-prepared to become a valuable member of your district’s education staff. Through this program, you can earn your teaching certificate up to a year earlier than the traditional pathway, just three years after high school graduation.

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 Associates of Arts degree from your preferred community college partner.

Program Cost

ACU partner organizations receive a 10% tuition discount, reducing the rate to $355.50 per credit hour plus a $300 resource fee per term. Students with an associate degree or prior college credit may qualify for a $2,400 scholarship, bringing the total program cost to $24,330 for 60 credit hours (including fees and licensure). Partners enrolling 20 or more students per term may receive up to a 20% tuition discount. Additional financial aid, including PELL and TEACH grants, may also be available.

Certification Options

While pursuing ACU’s BS in Integrated Studies, students will be co-enrolled in an educator certification program through TXITE, a regional education service center or another approved EPP partner.

Accelerate into a Bachelor’s Degree

Program Description

Following high school graduation, you will automatically receive acceptance into Abilene Christian University and enroll in the online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies degree program. You will focus on two concentrations, such as psychology and education. ACU’s work-embedded education courses are uniquely designed to dovetail with your district’s talent recruitment efforts.

Program Format

In ACU’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies, you will be able to transfer your dual credit hours, or credit from other institutions, to complete your bachelor’s degree in less than two
years versus the traditional four. ACU’s accredited faculty will determine the required course plans as you acclimate to a four-year institution. A sample degree plan could consist of the following:

Education Courses

EDUO 442Instructional Planning and Delivery for Classroom Teachers
EDUO 444Knowledge of Students and Student Learning for Classroom Teachers
EDUO 452Creating Effective Learning Environments for Classroom Teachers
EDUO 454Data-Driven Practice for
Classroom Teachers
EDUO 482Education Workshop 1
EDUO 484Education Workshop 2

Psychology Courses 

PSYO 370Social Psychology
PSYO 305Peacemaking
PSYO 232Developmental Psychology
PSYO 392Child Psychology
PSYO 241Cognition and Learning
PSYO 388Teams and Team Leadership
 

Additional Courses

BIBO 103Story of the New Testament
BIBO 211Message of the Old Testament
BITO 342Christianity in Culture
EDUO 490Clinical Teaching
INTG 420Integrated Studies Capstone

Elective hours may very depending on concentration.

WHY GET AN ONLINE DEGREE FROM ACU?

For the fifth year in a row, ACU is the highest-ranking university in Texas in the U.S. News & World Report “Programs to Look For” benchmarks focused on student success – placing in five of eight categories this year. 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.