The Educator Academy Bachelor’s track
The Bachelor’s Track
The Educator Academy is committed to preparing excellent teachers for Kansas City classrooms. For aspiring educators who have started college but have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor’s Track provides a structured starting point.
Through a partnership with the University of Central Missouri, participants complete coursework toward their bachelor’s degree while working full-time in an Educator Academy partner school.
This first year of coursework prepares participants to enter one of The Educator Academy’s teacher preparation pathways:
• Teacher Residency Pathway
• Teacher Fellowship Pathway
Once participants enter one of these pathways, they will continue completing coursework while gaining hands-on classroom experience and preparing to earn their teacher certification.
Year 1: Bachelor’s Track
Coursework: You’ll complete coursework through the University of Central Missouri designed to prepare you for entry into a teacher certification pathway.
School Experience: You’ll work full-time in an Educator Academy partner school, gaining valuable experience in the classroom while building relationships with students and school communities.
Preparation for Teacher Certification: During this year, our team will help you determine whether the Residency or Fellowship Pathway is the best next step.
Year 2: Begin Residency or Fellowship Pathway
Participants enter either the Teacher Residency or Teacher Fellowship, depending on their classroom experience and eligibility.
During this year, you will:
• Complete teacher certification and bachelor’s degree coursework through dual enrollment between The Educator Academy and UCM
• Continue gaining hands-on classroom experience
• Receive instructional coaching and support
At the end of this year, you’ll be eligible to earn your bachelor’s degree AND teacher certification.
Already Working in a School?
Many future teachers are already working in schools as paraprofessionals, classroom aides, substitutes, or in other support roles.
The Bachelor’s Track allows you to continue working in a school while completing the coursework needed to become a certified teacher.
Instead of stepping away from the classroom to go back to school full-time, you’ll build experience in real school environments while preparing for your future as a teacher of record.
Bachelor’s Track Eligibility Requirements
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- Hold an Associate of Arts or Associate of Teaching, or at least 60 transferable college credit hours.
- Employed full-time in an Educator Academy partner school
- Interest in pursuing a pathway toward becoming a certified teacher
- Hold an Associate of Arts or Associate of Teaching, or at least 60 transferable college credit hours.
Why Choose the Bachelor’s Track??
Bachelor’s Track Benefits
The Educator Academy is dedicated to making a difference in education. Our unique teacher certification and preparation programs will empower you to become the teacher that students deserve. The Bachelor’s Track offers a path to teaching for those without existing bachelor’s degrees. Below, we explore some of the advantages unique to this track.
- Accessible Pathway to Teaching
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If you have college credits but haven’t completed your degree, the Bachelor’s Track provides a clear pathway to becoming a certified teacher.
- Work While You Learn
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Participants remain employed in a partner school while completing coursework toward their degree.
- Hands-On Training
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Being part of a school community while studying education provides meaningful, real-world preparation.
- Connection to the EA Network
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Participants in The Educator Academy join a community of educators committed to supporting Kansas City students.
The Educator Academy Bachelor’s Track
Benefits of Teacher Certification through the Educator Academy
There are many reasons you should consider becoming a certified teacher.
Increase your impact: A certified teacher of record position allows you to build relationships and connections with a whole classroom while leading them through a year of growth. The certification process through the EA is an investment in your career and will benefit the students in your future classroom.
Career Sustainability: We need more highly qualified individuals in classrooms with kids. All teachers provide meaningful contributions to the education system, but teacher certification comes with unique benefits including better pay and more career mobility.
Grow your Network: Expand your connections with other like-minded educators looking to make a difference in education. By going through The EA’s Teacher Residency or Fellowship pathways, you’ll open a door to further connections in education.
Financial Supports & Costs
Participants in the Bachelor’s Track may be eligible for tuition assistance and financial support, similar to that available to residents and fellows, when pursuing additional coursework through The Educator Academy.
Our admissions team can walk you through potential financial supports during your info call.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a 15-minute info session with our Admissions Manager, Vernon Birmingham, to see if the Bachelor’s Track is the right fit for you!
Ready to be a Teacher?
Are you ready to earn your teaching certification and bachelor’s degree while receiving coaching and support in a hands-on classroom environment? Then we want you to apply to the most innovative teacher-training programs in Kansas City.