Teacher Education

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Elementary Education (K-8) with English Language Learners Endorsement

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAST) provides students an education, beyond the associate level, which is tailored to their community. The BAST degree is the next educational stepping-stone for many students who wish to pursue advanced degrees. The BAST degree provides quality teachers for a five-county area: Lewis, Thurston, Pacific, Mason, and Grays Harbor counties.

The BAST program is designed to enable applicants with an AAS-ECE or an AA-DTA to combine their lower-division coursework with upper-division credits in education. This degree is designed with academic rigor enabling graduates to apply directly to Master level programs throughout the state.

The BAST curriculum includes core courses in theory as well as practical teaching. This curriculum has been approved by the Washington State Professional Educators Standards Board, and is listed by OSPI as a state-approved teacher preparation program

Practical experience is a critical feature, students will complete both practicums and a student teaching sequence locally, to ensure they are ready to walk into the classroom and start teaching.

Successful students will be prepared to construct and facilitate culturally responsive learning experiences that simultaneously develop English language proficiencies and discipline-specific knowledge and advocate for English language learners (ELL) within the local school and community. The ELL endorsement prepares candidates to be effective teachers and to provide the required content and develop the skills needed to navigate a diverse learning environment with respect and confidence.

Admission into the BAST program is competitive. Meeting the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission as the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of enrollment spaces.

Program Schedule

A new cohort starts each fall!

The BAST program coursework is offered during fall, winter, and spring quarters. Classes are 4:30 – 8:40pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

Admission Requirements

Students admitted to BAST must attempt the WEST-B prior to starting the program.  Information on the WEST-B can be found on the WEST website or by contacting the BAST program office at 360-538-4012, via email at bas@ghc.edu or stop by the Manspeaker Instructional Building Room 2409 for details.

In order to be placed into the admissions pool, applicants must complete and submit all the following requirements:

  • Received an AAS – ECE degree, AA degree, (or be on track to complete the degree before the BAST program begins) or higher degree.
  • Completed BAST program application ($25 fee)
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Three (3) current letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all college level coursework
  • Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) clearance ($12 fee)

Prerequisites

To be accepted into the BAST program, students must complete (or be on track to complete prior to starting the core courses in the fall) the following:

  • 2.7 GPA in all required college level coursework.
  • ENGL& 101, English Composition
  • ENGL& 102, English Composition II or ENGL& 235, Technical Writing
  • MATH& 131 and MATH& 132, Math for Elementary Education I and II or any college level math course with Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite
  • ECED& 180, Language and Literacy Development
  • EDUC 201 and 202 or 1-year full-time experience in a structured educational setting (must qualify for Prior Learning Credit).

Lower Level Course Graduation Requirements:

In addition to the BAST required core courses, students must complete the following courses to graduate. These courses may be completed as part of the AAS-ECE or AA-DTA degree:

  • ENGL& 233, Children’s Literature
  • HIST& 219, Native American History

Expected Proficiency

  • Although not an admissions requirement, baccalaureate students are expected to have general computing abilities that include: navigating online, proficiency in word processing, spread sheets, and presentation software.

Essay Question

WA teachers are expected use understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards. BAST students will receive guidance about how to do this as a teacher during the program. What background knowledge, skills, and/or experiences do you bring to the BAST program that will help you meet this standard?

Alternate Routes to the BAST program

Career Information

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAST) provides students an education, beyond the associate level, which is tailored to their community. The BAST degree is the next educational stepping-stone for many students who wish to pursue advanced degrees. The BAST degree provides quality teachers for a five-county area: Lewis, Thurston, Pacific, Mason, and Grays Harbor counties.

The BAST degree is an approved teacher education program in the State of Washington. Successful completion of the program leads to a recommendation for a K-8 certificate with an Elementary Education endorsement.

Additional Program Information

Schedule for BAST Core Courses

Fall Quarter – Year 1 (17 credits)

  • BAST 301 Practicum I 2
  • BAST 345 ELA Methods 5
  • BAST 380 Understanding Learning 5
  • BAST 430 Social/Legal Foundations of Education 5

Winter Quarter – Year 1 (17 credits)

  • BAST 302 Practicum II 2
  • BAST 360 Assessment for Learning 5
  • BAST 370 Language and Culture 5
  • BAST 421 Classroom Management 5

Spring Quarter – Year 1 (17 credits)

  • BAST 303 Practicum III 2
  • BAST 355 Reading Methods 5
  • BAST 371 Advanced Language and Literacy 5
  • BAST 420 Planning Instruction 5

Fall Quarter – Year 2 (18 credits)

  • BAST 325 Math Methods 5
  • BAST 326 Science Methods 5
  • BAST 365 Social Studies Methods 5
  • BAST 496 Student Teaching I 3

Winter Quarter – Year 2 (16 credits)

  • BAST 330 Teaching with Technology 2
  • BAST 401 Special Education Methods 4
  • BAST 497 Student Teaching II 10

Spring Quarter – Year 2 (16 credits)

  • BAST 335 Methods for Teaching Arts 5
  • BAST 372 Professional Leadership and Advocacy 5
  • BAST 498 Student Teaching III 5
  • BAST 499 Capstone 1

Minimum Credits Required 101

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education: Elementary Education will have demonstrated the ability to:

  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with children, parents/guardians, peers, administrators, and the community.
  • Ensure cultural competence in teaching through adapting learner centered curricula that engage students in a variety of culturally responsive strategies.
  • Recognize individual differences and learning styles then modify curricula to meet the learners’ needs.
  • Design, facilitate, and evaluate age and developmentally appropriate learning exercises for students in K-8.
  • Develop standards-driven curricula and monitor student progress towards targets.
  • Utilize formal and informal assessment strategies to strengthen instruction and promote learning.
  • Competently design and execute lessons rich in literacy, science, math, social studies and the arts.
  • Generate strategies from multiple instructional approaches and differentiated instruction for all students.
  • Foster positive, inclusive learning settings in cognitive, behavior, language, physical, and social domains to create a safe and productive learning environment.
  • Integrate and model the use of technology in the classroom.
  • Utilize feedback and reflection to constantly improve teaching practices.
  • Demonstrate the capacity and skills needed to work the professional environment of K-8 education.