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Bridge to Teaching:
Teacher Preparation for Paraprofessionals, a specialization within the Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies degree |
Accepting Applications for 2009 - Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall Quarters.
Bridge to Teaching is designed as a dynamic degree completion program for paraprofessionals who have an associate degree or equivalent credits (60 semester hours). Support will also be available to help students successfully complete their degree.
Program Description
The Bridge to Teaching program is designed for paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and teacher aides who wish to complete their bachelor’s degree and step onto the “bridge” leading to licensure in Elementary or Secondary
Students entering with a Liberal Studies Associates Degree may be able to complete the program in as little as two years. The program consists of required core courses, courses in content areas, and education courses that enhance students’ knowledge of teaching and learning. Courses are offered in the evening, on weekends, and during the summer months for the convenience of the working professional. Students will work with an advisor to design their course of study during the first semester of the program. Once the degree is completed, students will be eligible for additional coursework at the graduate level and a practicum leading to a teaching license.
The Bridge to Teaching program is designed as a cohort. However, it may not be possible to keep all students together for every course. The program is designed with four anchor courses one in each quarter: the first, sixth, and ninth quarters with a senior project required at the end of the course of study. The anchor courses are as follows: Introduction to Liberal Studies, The Arts for Educators, Learning and Motivation, and the Senior Project in Liberal Studies.
Eligibility/Requirements
To be eligible for this program, students must be a paraprofessional with at least one year of experience in a public school.
An Associate Degree or equivalent is preferred. The College of Professional Studies, through the Institute in Education at Northeastern University, has developed a sequence of courses for paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and teacher aides who have earned an associate degree or its equivalent (at least 60 semester hours or 80 quarter hours). Coursework in the program will lead to a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies degree with a concentration in Education.
Cost
Tuition for the program is $301 for each quarter hour.
Students must be admitted into the program before they can apply for the grant. Other financial aid may be available through the Northeastern University’s Student Financial Services. http://www.financialaid.neu.edu/home.php
Application Process/Requirements/Deadline
Students may apply to the program online at http://www.cps.neu.edu/register/undergrad/ and select Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. Students may also contact the School of Professional Studies Admissions Office by calling 617-373-2400, or toll-free at 877-668-7727.
Applications must be accompanied by:
- verification of a high school diploma (if you do not have an associates degree)
- an original, official transcript of college courses
- two letters of recommendation (principal and teachers preferred)
- and a personal statement
Students may be invited in for an interview as part of the admissions process.
Accepting Applications
Credits/Transfer Credits
Total Credits for the Degree:
Complete 120 semester hour credits (160 quarter hour credits equivalent) including transfer credits and credits earned through an Assessment of Prior Learning (APL).
Transfer Credits:
College transcripts will be reviewed to determine the number of credits and the types of courses eligible for transfer into the bachelor’s degree program.
Residency Requirement:
There is a residence requirement which means students must earn a residency requirement earning between 30–40 semester hour (45-60 quarter hour) credits at Northeastern University.
Assessment of Prior Learning
Students may earn up to 18 quarter hour (12 semester hour) credits through an assessment prior learning and experience in education. Students will prepare a portfolio of their work during the first semester of their enrollment and/or take a CLEP diagnostic test.
Student Support
The program provides academic support where needed especially around writing, technology, and reading. Diagnostic tools and self-assessment will be used to ensure that students are placed in correct level courses.
Students will develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and participate in regular program assessments. Some students may be asked to come in for an interview, provide a writing sample, and/or be asked to demonstrate their competency to do coursework in English.
First Quarter
During the first quarter, all students will take two courses. The first course, Introduction to Liberal Studies will provide an introduction to the program and will help students develop a meaningful context for future work. Features of the course include:
- Clarification of a student’s goals for their work in the program
- Self evaluation and assessment of a student’s prior learning in both academic and experiential settings. This will be done in collaboration with other students and the instructor.
- Writing an essay explaining how prior learning fits into a student’s plan for work in the program. The essay will provide a basis for granting academic credit for prior learning.
- Evaluating academic and professional needs as a starting point for planning a student’s future coursework.
The second course will be an English course that emphasizes critical reading and writing. Students will be evaluated in terms of their academic reading and writing ability. If determined that students need a refresher in academic reading and writing, they will be enrolled in a course designed to help them strengthen these skills. Students who do not require this preparation will be enrolled in more advanced English course. It is important that all students begin the program with strong basic skills in these areas.
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