Teaching Degrees at COM

Educators leave legacies that live long after the last bell of the school year rings. Through partnerships with local school districts, College of the Mainland trains students to be leaders in the field.

While the Associate of Arts in teaching degrees prepare students to excel at a university as education majors, graduates are also qualified to become paraprofessionals or substitute teachers.

Why COM?

  • Enjoy small, hands-on classes.
  • Learn with professors with years of experience teaching children.
  • Get involved in the Education Club.
  • Gain practice teaching at local schools.
  • COM is an NAEYC-accredited school.

How to Begin

  1. Complete the application at www.com.edu/apply and send transcripts (and meningitis vaccination records if under 22) to COM.
  2. Students will need to clear a background check.
  3. Take placement testing.
  4. If you are a first-time college student, attend a New Student Orientation before registering. Transfer students meet with an advisor before registering at www.com.edu/register.

Degrees Offered

Associate of Arts in teaching (Leading to Initial Texas Teacher Certification: Early childhood through sixth grade)

This degree prepares students to ignite the imaginations of the youngest learners.

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Associate of Arts in teaching (Leading to Initial Texas Teacher Certification: fourth to eighth grade or early childhood to 12th grade (special education))

This degree trains students to spark a love of learning in fourth through eighth grade students or special-needs children in any grade.

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Associate of Arts in teaching (Leading to Initial Texas Teacher Certification: eighth grade to 12th grade or early childhood to 12th grade (other than special education))

This degree prepares future teachers to guide eighth to 12th grade students.

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From a Student

Photo of Tonita Tucker

The COM program was perfect for me. It was able to fit my schedule as a mom.

– Tonita Tucker teaches at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Hitchcock.

Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion. The following website provides links to information about the licensing process and requirements: https://tea.texas.gov

Should you wish to request a review of the impact of criminal history on your potential Associates of Arts in Teaching degree prior to or during your quest for a degree, you can visit this link and request a “Criminal History Evaluation”:
https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/

This information is being provided to all persons who apply or enroll in the program, with notice of the requirements as described above, regardless of whether or not the person has been convicted of a criminal offense. Additionally, HB 1508 authorizes licensing agencies to require reimbursements when a student fails to receive the required notice.