Paraprofessionals and Teaching Assistants Cohort
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).
