Accelerated Teacher Degree Program

Dreaming of leading a classroom? Earn your Bachelor's Degree in Education faster than ever!

Are you a motivated high school student with a passion for education and a dream of becoming a certified teacher? The Accelerated Teacher Education Degree Program is an exciting opportunity designed in collaboration with the Early College Program (ECP), Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Longview, and the University of Central Missouri (UCM).

This innovative program empowers students to complete their core general education and foundational teacher education requirements while earning an Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree in high school, setting you up for a highly accelerated path to becoming a licensed educator.

Accelerated Education Program Starts with ECP and MCC Longview

The journey begins through the Early College Program (ECP), where you gain exposure to educational methodologies and the fundamentals of teaching. High school students in this path receive specialized preparation to help them excel in their future teacher preparation program.

Concurrently, students will complete their general education requirements and foundational coursework by enrolling in college courses at MCC Longview. This strategic coursework leads directly to the attainment of an Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree, which acts as the launchpad for your university studies.

Seamless Transition to UCM Teacher Education

Upon successfully completing the A.A. Degree at MCC, students transition seamlessly into the University of Central Missouri (UCM) College of Education to complete their Bachelor's degree and teacher certification requirements.

UCM is renowned for its high-quality Teacher Education programs, offering a direct path to licensure in various subject areas (Elementary, Secondary, Special Education, etc.). This partnership ensures your college credits transfer efficiently, maximizing your time.

Key Benefits of the Accelerated Teacher Education Program:

• ✅ Time Efficiency: High school students can significantly jumpstart their teaching careers, completing foundational courses and earning an A.A. Degree before their peers, leading to licensure years sooner.
• 💰 Cost Savings: By completing the first two years of college (the A.A. Degree) at MCC's community college rates, students substantially reduce the overall cost of their Bachelor's in Education.
• 🎯 Clear Path to Licensure: This program provides a clear, articulated pathway into a highly respected university program, putting you on the fast track to meeting state teacher certification requirements.
• 🧠 Comprehensive Preparation: Students receive a strong foundation in core subjects, child development, and basic pedagogy, setting them up for immediate success in UCM's advanced education curriculum.
• 🧑‍🏫 Early Field Experience: The structure of the program often facilitates earlier introduction to field experience and classroom observation, enhancing practical teaching skills before starting student teaching.

Complete Your Degree on an Accelerated Timeline

Students can choose an accelerated schedule that allows them to earn their Bachelor's degree on an accelerated timeline:

• 2-Year Post-HS B.S.E. Path: Students complete all core and foundational requirements by the time they graduate high school.
• 3-Year Post-HS B.S.E. Path: Students complete their A.A. degree within one year after high school, followed by an accelerated sequence at UCM.