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Tarrant County College will offer a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and teaching starting this fall in an effort to address the region’s teacher shortage.
The two-year program will be the first bachelor’s degree offered by TCC and will start on Oct. 12 for the college’s second, eight-week fall session, TCC officials announced on Tuesday. It will prepare graduates for teacher certification in early childhood through third grade and early childhood through sixth grade. The program is designed for students who have acquired an associate of arts in teaching, an associate of applied science in early childhood education or another qualifying associate degree.
“This program reflects TCC’s enduring commitment to meeting the real workforce needs of Tarrant County,” Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said in a statement. “Our schools need qualified, compassionate teachers, and TCC is uniquely positioned to deliver an accessible, affordable pathway for the next generation of educators who will shape our community’s future.”
The degree program is expected to enhance the pipeline of certified teachers in North Texas as school districts in the area face shortages, TCC officials said.
“This approval reflects exactly the kind of strategic investment our board was elected to support,” said TCC Board of Trustees President Jeannie Deakyne. “Tarrant County’s children will be better served because TCC is preparing the teachers who will inspire, educate and shape the next generation. That is a legacy this college is proud to build.”
Shereah Taylor-Love, dean of the human and public service pathway at TCC South, said the program will support students advancing into high-impact employment.
“Strengthening our associate degree pathways empowers current students and working early childhood professionals to earn a bachelor’s degree, pursue teacher certification and help meet the urgent need for qualified educators serving young children across our region,” she said.
Interested students can contact Alma Gallegos at [email protected] or 817-515-4372 for information about admission requirements, prerequisites and enrollment deadlines.
