Shape Young Minds to Do Great Things – Become a Teacher!
Earn your Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education
Highline’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Elementary Education is for people who’ve completed an associate degree (AAS or AA) in Paraeducator or a related field. The program offers coursework for working professionals, looking to sharpen their skills and meet rising employment requirements, as well as those just beginning their careers, whose goal is to become a leader in the field.
By becoming an elementary school teacher, I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s lives during their crucial formative years.
-SHAIMA SALEH, Bachelor of Applied Science in Elementary Education
START HERE, STAY HERE!
Do your first two years here in our established Early Childhood Education or Paraeducator department, then seamlessly transition to upper-division coursework. A bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education opens the door to much higher wages, and prepares you for progression to a master’s degree from other accredited colleges and universities.
Career Options
There are many career options for those pursuing a BAS degree in teaching:
- Certificated Elementary or Middle School Teacher (K-8)
- After-School Program Director
- Camp Director
- K-8 School Administration
- Curriculum Development
- Education Policy / Research
Check out the Professional Educators Standards Board for more information about how a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education can help prepare you for a career with children and families.
In King County, the average starting salary for certified K-8 teachers with bachelor’s degrees is $64,000 per academic year. In 2023 the average wage for elementary and middle school teachers was $98,789. Job growth locally is twice the national average, at over 17% for the past 10 years. (Lightcast, 2023). Job prospects are strong!
Why Highline?
The BAS in Elementary Education degree program was developed for those interested in teacher certification. Highline College is accredited by Washington’s Professional Educators Standards Board (PESB). The program’s coursework and candidate residency has been strategically aligned with PESB standards, teacher evaluation programs, and all Washington State teacher certification requirements with emphasis on Elementary Education (K-8) certification and the English Language Learner’s endorsement. Our BAS coursework has been integrated with social justice and equity throughout. View our conceptual framework to learn more about our commitment and values.
Fast Facts about the Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education
- The program prepares you for a variety of leadership roles working with children and families in K-8 elementary education environments.
- Classes are online and hybrid, with any face-to-face coursework offered in the evenings and on weekends.
- The annual cost is less than $14,772 plus books and other fees. Or about half of what
you would pay at a state university such as UW-Tacoma.
Admissions Requirements
To qualify you need to have (or be within 30 credits) of an AA or AAS degree from a regionally accredited institution. The AAS in ECE from Highline college is recommended. Your grade point average overall should be 2.5 or better with no class under 2.0 (preferred).
The following courses are required. We’re happy to accept these or similar courses from other colleges. If you don’t have this coursework, you can complete it before you enter, or during your junior year of BAS coursework. It’s required that you complete these courses prior to beginning your senior year.
There are three practicum courses in the BAS where you’re required to apply your skills, working directly with children and families at an early learning program, school, or agency serving families and children. In most cases, you’ll need to pass a criminal history background check. Fingerprinting is typically required. You will also need to meet the state requirements for basic skills (WEST-B: reading, writing, math)
Ready to apply?
While the AAS in ECE or AAS in Education-Paraeducator from Highline college is recommended, you can enter the program with an AA degree and practical experience working with children and families.
Not sure? Still have questions?
Contact BAS in EE Coordinator John Pizarro, Faculty Coordinator Dr. Erich Elwin or Certification Officer Ricaflor Fontillas.
Need support completing your AAS degree?
Make an appointment with an advisor to learn about our ECE I-BEST programs for completion of the State Initial Certificates, ENGL& 101, and Math. We also offer certificate programs fully in Somali and Spanish.
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