Start at BCC, Transfer to MCLA - Associate's to Bachelor's degree!
Berkshire Community College (BCC) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announce the creation of a joint “Associates to Bachelors” program intended to provide an efficient pathway to teacher licensure. The program is specifically designed for paraprofessionals currently employed by pre-K–12 schools in Berkshire County. Paraprofessionals support students under the supervision of a teacher.
Constructed with the flexibility to meet the needs of participants with either some or no prior college experience, the innovative program allows paraprofessionals to earn an associate degree at BCC and continue to MCLA to earn a bachelor degree and teaching license. Students follow an Early Childhood Education or Elementary/Secondary Education pathway; eligible students may also apply for credit for prior learning after enrolling at MCLA.
Contact Us
Questions or concerns?
- Barbara Kotelnicki, Associate Professor of Education, BCC
- Michelle Colvin, Director of Field Education, MCLA
Program Schedule
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Fall Semester 2022 |
Intersession |
Spring Semester 2023 |
Summer Semester 2023 |
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Fall Semester 2023 |
Intercession |
Spring Semester 2024 |
Summer Semester 2024 |
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Fall Semester 2024 |
Intercession |
Spring Semester 2025 |
Summer Semester 2025 |
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FAS Elective 3 credits |
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Graduation!! And then begin at MCLA in Fall 2025! |
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The Associates to Bachelors program will prepare students to teach in their own classrooms, promote educational excellence and culturally responsive best practices, deliver effective instruction and meet all requirements for initial teacher licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through a combination of in-person and online classes, the model offers a thoughtful blend of classroom and field-based experiences that prepares students to make a meaningful impact in their school communities.
The cohort model program was created in response to Berkshire County school districts’ need to create a licensure program that supports the preparation, development and retention of a diverse and effective educator workforce so that all students thrive. With the benefit of creating a caring community of learners with a common purpose, the program draws on the strength of BCC’s and MCLA’s strong partnerships with local schools, diverse academic programming and dedicated faculty.
The Commonwealth’s Department of Higher Education (DHE) offers funding to Massachusetts residents who are currently employed as paraprofessionals in Massachusetts public schools (for at least two years) and wish to become certified as full-time teachers. Financial need is not a requirement for the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant, but recipients must annually file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).