The Foundations of Teacher Education associate degree program prepares you to engage with students of diverse ages and varying ability levels while operating under the guidance and supervision of a licensed teacher. You will be well-equipped for a fulfilling career as a paraprofessional or educational assistant, offering invaluable support services to school-age students. While this program prepares graduates to serve in a variety of educational contexts, it places a primary emphasis on roles in elementary and middle-level schools.

Graduates of this program possess the knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective instructional strategies, enabling you to assist students with a wide array of academic tasks, including mathematics, science, reading, and writing assignments, in addition to other instructional activities. You will be adept at monitoring student progress, providing individualized support, facilitating small group activities, and offering one-on-one tutoring. Moreover, you'll play an integral role in enhancing the classroom environment by contributing to classroom displays, aiding students with computer and media-related tasks, and overseeing various classroom and school events.

Western's Foundations of Teacher Education program is fully compliant with Title I requirements and fulfills the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for paraprofessionals. Furthermore, graduates of this program have the opportunity to transfer to several universities offering bachelor degree programs in Elementary Education or Special Education.