Trinity Valley Community College is proud to answer the call to help fill the shortage of early educators by announcing its launch of a Bachelor degree of Applied Science in Early Education.

“One of the key reasons we pursued this opportunity is to support and partner with our area school districts,” said TVCC President Dr. Jason Morrison. “We understand the challenges they face in recruiting and retaining teachers. Trinity Valley felt we could help fill that gap by starting this program.”

Since the program's announcement, Morrison has received enthusiastic feedback from both current TVCC students and local school districts. Vice President of Instruction Dr. Spencer Wagley echoed this sentiment, saying, “Providing this opportunity not only benefits our students but also supports local districts battling teacher shortages. We are committed to helping our community.”

On Thursday, Oct. 10, TVCC received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and announced it will submit for additional approvals and accreditations from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). TVCC plans to offer the program in the fall of 2025.

“We have cleared the first hurdle with state approval,” Dr. Wagley exclaimed. “We are now waiting on approval from SACSCOC, which will be submitted in January 2025.”

The team that played a key role in creating this program included: Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Erica Richardson, Associate Vice President of Instructional innovation and Support Holley Collier, Division Chair of Language Arts and English Professor Amy Rogers, and Chair of Public Services, Professor of Education and Teaching Suzette Stringer, Dr. Morrison, and Dr. Wagley.

“The fact that we are seeing a shortage in teachers is very scary,” Stringer shared. “Our children need people who care, who are ready for the challenges as an educator, and who are ready to work. We at Trinity Valley hope to provide that.”

Once SACSCOC approval is received, the team will seek guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the education preparation program.

“With the curriculum designed by Suzette, Amy, and Holley, I’m confident it will enrich the lives of our students and, in turn, the lives of their future students,” added Richardson. “Additionally, much of the program will be offered online, making it accessible to paraprofessionals looking to advance their careers—a key distinction from similar programs at other colleges.”

Dr. Morrison is excited to see the impact the program will have on prospective students and the future of education in the local community.

“A program like this is transformational,” Morrison exclaimed. “You’re not just educating future teachers; you’re shaping the lives of the children they’ll go on to teach during such a crucial stage in their development. We have the resources, the talent, and the heart to make this program a success.