June 29, 2017
Story by Micah Oelze
Barton Community College and Fort Hays State University (FHSU) have partnered to bring students a fast track program for Elementary Education starting in the 2017-2018 academic year.
The Degree in Three program is designed to help students earn their bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in three years with a seamless transition from Barton to FHSU. Students will take 64 credit hours at Barton before transferring to FHSU where they will complete 64 more credit hours. Upon degree completion, students are able to seek a Kansas teaching licensure in Elementary Education K-6.
“We know we will be facing a teacher shortage in Kansas and around the nation in just a few years as Baby Boomers retire,” said Brian Howe, Dean of Academics at Barton. “Leaders at FHSU and Barton recognize the need is on the horizon and this Degree in Three in Elementary Education can help bring qualified and trained teachers into the classrooms quicker while helping students save on tuition and living expenses.”
To support this endeavor, Howe said the Academics Division at Barton will offer departmental awards for students in the Elementary Education program.
The Degree in Three in Elementary Education is for high school graduates who are coming to Barton with some college hours through a concurrent credit program or paraprofessionals who desire to become a classroom teacher.
While currently the Degree in Three program is only offered for Elementary Education, Howe is hopeful for the future expansion of the program.
“We want to continue to develop additional Degree in Three options or paths in other areas beyond education and are seeking university partners,” he said.
For more information visit bartonccc.edu/academicprograms/education.