Teacher Education

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAS-TE) is designed to allow students to earn a four-year degree with a K-8 certification.

Admission into the BAS-TE 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 BAS-TE program runs during fall, winter, and spring quarters. Classes are 4:30 – 8:40pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

Admission Requirements

Students admitted to BAS-TE 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 BAS Support office via phone 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 the following:

• BAS application fee of $25 and completed application
• A short (500-700 word) essay (see below)
• Resume
• Transcripts showing evidence of an earned associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7.
• 3 letters of recommendation
• 30 hours of experience in a K-8 classroom setting (can be completed as volunteer or paid work, including through a course)
• WATCH clearance, $12 fee (Washington Access to Criminal History)
• Once your application materials are complete, the BAS-TE coordinator will schedule an interview with you. (See below for interview question.)

Preference will be given to students who have completed SPAN& 123 or demonstrate equivalent competency through a GHC-exam.

Required Courses

Applicants must have a grade of 2.0 or higher in the following courses prior to starting the program: 

• ENGL& 101
• ENGL& 102 OR 235
• MATH& 131/132 OR 107 (or other college-level math)
• SPCH 101 (CMST& 220)
• HIST& 219
• PSYC& 100 OR SOC& 101
• BIOL& 100
• ECED& 180
• EDUC 201 and EDUC 202 or EDUC& 205 (or equivalent practicum experience)

Recommended Prerequisite Courses:

• CMST 240 (or equivalent course in inter-cultural communication)
• ENGL& 233 or ENGL& 111
• SPAN& 123
• ART& 100 or MUSIC& 100
• HIST& 147 or HIST& 148
• POLS& 202
• PSYC& 100 or SOC& 101 (whichever isn't included as a required course)
• EARTH& 100
• ENVS& 100

Please Note: Prerequisites have changed beginning with in 2019, however, applicants may also be eligible for admission to the program using the previous program prerequisites.

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. BAS-TE 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 BAS-TE program that will help you meet this standard?

Interview Question

WA teachers are expected to work with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction and self-motivation. BAS-TE 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 BAS-TE program that will help you meet this standard?

Career Information

The BAS-TE 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

• Fees and Costs
• Character and Fitness
• Testing
• Alternative Routes for BAS-TE

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education: Elementary Education & Special 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 developmental appropriate learning exercises for students in K-8 and special education.
• 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.