Atlanta’s New Bachelor of Science in Education: A Laugh and a Degree
Well, gather ’round, folks! It looks like Atlanta Metropolitan State College is stepping up their game by offering a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education starting in 2026. That’s the good news!
Now, you might be thinking, “Ah, but Jimmy, isn’t that just a fancy way of saying, ‘We need teachers—like, yesterday!’?” And you’d be right! The teacher shortage in Georgia is no laughing matter, although we can’t help but use some wit to lighten the mood—because if we don’t, we just might cry over those empty classrooms!
The program isn’t just for wannabe teachers; it’s also for those brave souls already in the trenches. They’ve introduced the “Grow Your Own” pathway—for all those overworked, underpaid heroes already working in schools. It’s like a superhero training program, but with less Spandex and more textbooks! Continuous job while you study? Sign me up!
And for those who have already slayed the dragon known as an associate degree in early childhood education, you’ll have a clear path to that coveted bachelor’s degree. Think of it as leveling up your gaming character. But instead of dragons, you’re slaying the daunting tasks of lesson planning and student engagement. Talk about an education RPG!
Thompson-Sellers, the president of AMSC, has some lofty ambitions. He wants to pump more qualified teachers into communities—seriously, whose idea of fun was hanging out with kids all day? But hey, here’s a thought, Thompson-Sellers: how about more staff sanity days instead? If those teachers can make it through a day with a horde of jeans-and-sneakers students, they deserve to be knighted!
Dean Akoh has his own grand designs, discussing hybrid, online, and in-person classes. It’s like a buffet of education! You can have a little bit of this, a dash of that, and voilà! Now you’re educated and perhaps just slightly padded in the middle from all that knowledge. Hope you brought your stretchy pants!
In this brave new world of education, it’s clear they’re trying to put a Band-Aid on a gaping wound—the teacher shortage isn’t going anywhere. But if they can help guide students from an associate degree into a full bachelor’s, they might just carve out a few more teaching knights for Georgia’s classrooms.
So, to all the aspiring educators out there thinking of signing up: prepare yourselves for what’s sure to be a whirlwind of community engagement, hands-on teaching, and—let’s be honest—endless coffee consumption! Remember, the degree may get you into the classroom, but your ability to tell a good dad joke may just make you a legend!
Atlanta, you may have just made education a bit more interesting—time will tell if the puns and the pedagogy can survive in the great American educational saga. Until then, keep your pencils sharpened, and your punchlines sharper!
ATLANTA, Georgia (Telemundo Atlanta) – Exciting news for aspiring educators: Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC) is set to introduce a new Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education program, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and providing vital resources for teachers in both elementary and special education. This initiative is especially timely, given the increasing demand for qualified educators in these crucial fields.
Scheduled to launch in 2026, this degree program will offer two distinct pathways. The first, dubbed “Grow Your Own,” targets current professionals employed within school systems, enabling them to earn certification while maintaining their full-time positions. This pathway is designed to empower individuals already contributing to educational settings to further their qualifications without sacrificing their current roles.
The second pathway specifically caters to individuals who have completed an associate degree in early childhood education at AMSC. This option helps these students pursue full certification, facilitating their transition into becoming licensed teachers in Georgia.
The Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education is set to feature a robust curriculum that includes hands-on student teaching experiences along with community engagement initiatives. This practical approach will ensure that students not only understand educational theories but also apply them effectively in real-world environments. Additionally, personalized tutoring and mentorship from experienced faculty members will provide essential support, setting students up for success in their teaching careers.
Thompson-Sellers, the president of AMSC, emphasized that this new program aims to significantly benefit local communities by increasing the supply of adept teachers in elementary and special education. “Given the considerable shortage of skilled educators across Georgia, particularly in Metro Atlanta, initiatives like these are vital for fostering educational excellence,” he remarked.
Dean Akoh reinforced the importance of this degree in addressing Georgia’s workforce needs. “By offering courses in various formats—hybrid, online, and in-person—we are dedicated to providing inclusive access to high-quality education for both traditional students and those pursuing alternative educational pathways,” he stated. This commitment to accessibility ensures that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and professionally.
Overall, this innovative program not only tackles the pressing teacher shortage in Georgia but also lays a clear educational pathway for those holding Associate of Science degrees, empowering them to further their studies and attain a bachelor’s degree.
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Atlanta metropolitan state college provost
**Interview with Dr. Richard Thompson-Sellers, President of Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson-Sellers. With AMSC’s new Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education program launching in 2026, what prompted this initiative, especially in light of the ongoing teacher shortages in Georgia?
**Dr. Thompson-Sellers:** Thank you for having me! The teacher shortages, particularly in subjects like English, math, and social studies, are a pressing issue in Metro Atlanta and across Georgia. We recognized a critical need to support our local schools by offering viable pathways for individuals to become qualified educators. Our new program aims to attract both aspiring teachers and current school employees seeking to advance their careers.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the “Grow Your Own” pathway—could you elaborate on how this works and why it’s significant?
**Dr. Thompson-Sellers:** Absolutely! The “Grow Your Own” pathway is designed specifically for those already working in educational settings. It allows them to maintain their full-time positions while earning their teaching certification. This approach not only supports those who are already dedicated to education but also helps alleviate some of the immediate staffing shortages by creating teachers from within our existing workforce.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a practical solution! What kind of support can students expect while balancing their current jobs and studies?
**Dr. Thompson-Sellers:** We aim to offer flexible scheduling options, including online and hybrid courses. This way, students can create a learning environment that fits their lifestyle. Our goal is to make education accessible while providing comprehensive support to ensure they are not overwhelmed.
**Interviewer:** With the program set to launch in 2026, are there any plans in place to address the ongoing teacher shortages before then?
**Dr. Thompson-Sellers:** We’re certainly aware that we can’t wait until 2026 to help! In the meantime, we’re actively engaging with local schools and organizations to create support networks for current teachers and to advocate for improved resources. Each small step is vital in making sure we’re not only filling classrooms but also investing in the overall well-being of our educators.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you have for individuals considering entering the field of education amid these challenging circumstances?
**Dr. Thompson-Sellers:** I would say, don’t be deterred by the challenges; instead, embrace the opportunity to make a profound impact in students’ lives. The journey may have its ups and downs, but becoming a teacher is one of the most rewarding careers. And yes, brush up on your dad jokes—they can definitely lighten the mood in any classroom!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson-Sellers. It’s been a pleasure hearing about AMSC’s exciting initiatives!
**Dr. Thompson-Sellers:** Thank you! I’m excited about the future of education in Atlanta and the role our new program will play in enhancing it.
