This A.S.T. (Associate of Science in Teaching) program prepares students for a successful transfer into a 4-year university’s College of Education to obtain a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license for kindergarten through fifth grades. It provides a seamless transition into the College of Education at the university level by requiring the GPA of 2.75 and the entrance testing requirement of an ACT > 21 or successful scores on the PRAXIS CORE exams. The program provides instruction on state standards, the working of schools, and the role of a regular education teacher working with exceptional learners and those with diverse backgrounds. It also addresses developmentally appropriate teaching practice. 

 Observation/Field Work is required as well as a successful background check, successful disposition assessments, and the purchase of liability insurance.  

Graduates from this program may also go on to become Department of Education Paraprofessionals, Exceptional Education Assistants, and Pre-K Assistants without additional coursework. All of the courses for the Elementary AST Degree can be taken online or on campus, so students have flexible scheduling options while at Chattanooga State.