Program Overview
Start at BCC, Transfer to MCLA - Associate to Bachelor's Degree
Berkshire Community College (BCC) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)
announce the creation of a joint "Associate 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.
Program Schedule
Fall Semester 2022
EDU-105 (3 credits)
Foundations of Education
ENG-101 (3 credits)
English Composition I
Fall Semester 2023
ENV-101 (4 credits)
Conservation of Natural
Resources I
THR-101 (3 credits)
Introduction to Theater
Fall Semester 2024
EDU-205 (3 credits)
Children's Literature
HIS-117 (3 credits)
US History to 1877
Intersession 2022
MUS -110 (3 credits)
American Pop Music
Intercession 2023
ENG-215 (3 credits)
English Literature
Spring Semester 2023
ENG-102 (3 credits)
English Composition II
EDU-154 (3 credits)
Language and Literacy
Spring Semester 2024
ENV-102 (4 credits)
Conservation of Natural
Resources II
MAT-113 (3 credits)
Intro Topics in Math
Spring Semester 2025
MAT-123 (3 credits)
Statistics
FAS Elective (3 credits)
Summer Semester 2023
EDU-210 (3 credits)
Introduction to Special Needs
PSY-107 (3 credits)
Introductory Psychology
Summer Semester 2024
EDU-215 (3 credits)
Equity and Cultural Diversity
PSY -204 (3 credits)
Human Growth and Development
Summer Semester 2025
HIS-118 (3 credits)
US History (1865 – )
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
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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.
Early Childhood Education A.A.
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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.
Early Childhood Education AS
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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, 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.
Early Childhood Education Introductory
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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.
Early Childhood Education Intermediate
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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.
Elementary Education A.A.
