Teacher Education (BAS)

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAST) is designed for those with an associate's degree or higher to earn their BAS close to home.

This program empowers future educators to skillfully design and lead culturally responsive learning experiences. These experiences not only nurture English language skills and discipline-specific knowledge but also advocate for English Language Learners (ELL) within their school and community. Through hands-on practicum and student teaching sessions in local schools, students will seamlessly transition into the role of educators, primed and passionate to make a difference. This degree is designed with academic rigor, enabling graduates to apply directly to Master level programs throughout the state.  

The BAS in Teacher Education Program was developed to meet the employment needs of those currently working in the classroom without a teacher credential and other working adults. Classes are offered in the late afternoon at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington, with a two-year track.

The BAST curriculum includes core courses in theory as well as practical teaching. The program focuses on Elementary Education (K-8) certification and the English Language Learner’s endorsement.  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.

Students may have the opportunity to work with schools in Aberdeen, Cosmopolis, Elma, Hoquiam, Lake Quinault, Montesano, Naselle, North Beach, North River, Oakville, Ocean Beach, Ocosta, Raymond, South Bend, Taholah, Wishkah, and Willapa Valley.

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.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the BAST program is merit-based. Meeting the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admissions, as the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of enrollment spaces. Admission applications open in the winter quarter of each year for entrance the following fall. In order to be placed into the admissions pool, applicants must complete and submit all the following requirements:

  • Completed or on track to complete an associate degree prior to the start of the program
  • Completed BAST program application
  • Resume
  • Three (3) current letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all college-level coursework
  • WEST-B Skills Tests
  • Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) clearance ($12 fee)

Routes to the BAST program

Career Information

The 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. Grays Harbor College has not determined if this degree meets the state education requirements in any other state or any U.S. territory.

In addition to BAS-TE courses, applicants seeking Washington State residency teacher certification must complete the following:

  • Passing score of National Evaluation Series (NES) tests 102 and 103 Elementary Education subtests 1 & 2. These are content knowledge assessments required prior to being certified to teach in a particular subject area.
  • Successful completion of required clinical hours.

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