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Paraprofessionals & Teaching Assistants Cohort

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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.

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Program Schedule

Fall Semester 2022

Intersession

Spring Semester 2023

Summer Semester 2023

EDU-105  3 Credits
Foundations of Education

MUS -110   3 Credits
American Pop Music

ENG-102 3 Credits
English Composition II

EDU-210 3 Credits
Introduction to Special Needs

ENG-101 3 Credits
English Composition I

 

EDU-154 3 Credits
Language & Literacy

PSY-107   3 Credits
Introductory Psychology

Fall Semester 2023

Intercession

Spring Semester 2024

Summer Semester 2024

ENV-101 4 Credits
Conservation of Natural
Resources I

ENG-215      3 Credits
English Literature

ENV-102 4 Credits
Conservation of Natural
Resources II

EDU-215 3 Credits
Equity & Cultural Diversity

THR-101 3 Credits
Introduction to Theater

 

MAT-113 3 Credits
Intro Topics in Math

PSY -204   3 Credits
Human Growth & Development

Fall Semester 2024

Intercession

Spring Semester 2025

Summer Semester 2025

EDU-205 3 Credits
Children's Literature

 

MAT-123 3 Credits
Statistics

HIS-118 3 Credits
US History (1865-   )

HIS-117  3 Credits
United States History to 1877

 

FAS Elective 3 credits

GEO-125 3 Credits
World Geography

Graduation!! And then begin at MCLA in Fall 2025!

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).

Education Programs at BCC

  • Early Childhood Education AA Degree

    Courses outlined in the Associate in Arts program meet the Massachusetts Transfer Compact and provide a strong foundation for students continuing on to a bachelor’s degree while the Associate in Science program prepares students to immediately enter the work force.

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  • Early Childhood Education AS Degree

    The A.S. in Early Childhood Education is a “career degree” meeting the needs of teachers in the field seeking an associate degree as a terminal degree. This option, with more required courses directly relevant to the care and teaching of young children and relating to working with families, provides training for those early childhood educators who choose to remain in the field at an associate degree level. Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses align with MADOEEC and NAEYC standards.

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  • Early Childhood Education Introductory Certificate

    The Introductory Early Childhood Education certificate is the first pathway leading to greater qualifications for work with young children. With the experience provided in the practicum (ECE-123), those completing this certificate will be ready to apply for teacher qualification through the MADOEEC. The required ECE courses will be offered in the evening in rotation.

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  • Early Childhood Education Intermediate Certificate

    After completion of the Introductory Early Childhood Education certificate or equivalent, students may begin work on this pathway. This certificate, together with nine months of additional experience in the field, prepares people to pursue lead teacher qualification through the MADOEEC. The required ECE courses will be offered in the evening in rotation.

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  • Elementary Education A.A. Degree
    The Elementary Education Program in Liberal Arts meets the Massachusetts Transfer Compact and lays the groundwork for students to become well-rounded, competent educators. The curriculum offers a strong foundation in liberal arts courses including: Foundations of Education, Language and Literacy, Introductory Psychology and Children’s Literature, while adhering to the Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers. Field Experience hours are embedded in program courses in preparation for pursuing a bachelor’s degree and to fulfill requirements for the elementary education license and MTEL exams.

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