Teaching Grades EC-6, 4-8, Special Ed. EC-12, AAT (AAT1)

The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree is a State Board-Approved collegiate degree program consisting of lower-division courses intended for transfer to baccalaureate programs that lead to initial Texas teacher certification. The AAT degree is fully transferable to any Texas public university offering baccalaureate degree programs leading to initial teacher certification.

Because the AAT fulfills the requirements of the field of study curriculum statutes and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules, all Texas public universities must accept the AAT curricula if they offer the applicable baccalaureate degrees leading to initial teacher certification. The program includes a lab component in which the student will spend at least 16 hours observing in a PK-12 school.

The AAT is fully sanctioned by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as a field of study for students interested in pursuing a degree in education which will lead to teacher certification. It offers an avenue to “grow our own” future teachers in an effort to help the shortage of teachers in Texas.

Some courses may be taken in different order, and students do not have to complete the degree in four semesters. Students in college prep will require a different course sequence. All interested students should see the Academic Dean for degree plans. Students planning to teach in a specific discipline should check with the Education Program Director to select the appropriate electives in the field of study. (See programs of study on the following pages.)

Some courses within the AAT programs require students to complete hours of field experience and observation in P-12 classrooms. Students will be responsible for completing background checks prior to being admitted in to observe classrooms. Transportation to and from P-12 classrooms is the responsibility of the student.