ASU East is establishing a program that will allow engineers, doctors and other professionals to take a fast track toward becoming an elementary school teacher.
The University will launch its first accelerated teaching program in May. The program is targeted toward people who have a degree in a field other than education and want to earn an elementary education teacher's degree in just one year.
"This program is for someone who has a change of focus in their education or career," said Bette Bergeron, head of faculty of education at ASU East.
The accelerated teaching program requires 45 credits while traditional teaching degrees require 61 credits. Both programs fulfill requirements for teaching certification in Arizona.
The program has the standard curriculum of a traditional teaching degree such as learning about classroom management, student development and student teaching, according to David Schwalm, vice provost of academic programs and services and dean at East.
"This extensive program works best for people who give up one year of work to go back to school full-time," said Nancy Roeshack, academic advising coordinator of the college of education at West.
According to some ASU faculty, the accelerated program is a growing trend. ASU Main and West currently have two accelerated teaching programs and West plans to add another in August.
"There are students who are anxious to choose a new degree and are looking for the fastest way to get there," Roeshack said.
Bergeron is hoping for 25-30 students to be in the program this May.
The program was approved March 29 by East's curriculum committee and is not in the course catalog. For more information contact bette.bergeron@asu.edu.
Reach the reporter at kristin.roberts@asu.edu.
