Foundations of Teacher Education

Program Number: 10-522-2
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Online
This program is eligible for financial aid

About the Program

The Foundations of Teacher Education - Associate Degree is an Associate of Applied Science Degree, which prepares qualified individuals to work directly with students under the supervision of a licensed teacher. The duties include assisting children with math, science, reading, and writing assignments as well as handling classroom management and other tasks related to instruction. This program meets Title I requirements. 
 
Duties may also include monitoring student activities, assisting with reading, correcting papers, tutoring, one-on-one activities and small group facilitation. The focus of this program is on preparing graduates to work primarily in elementary and middle level schools. 

What You'll Learn

Students enrolled in the Foundations of Teacher Education Associate Degree program will develop the knowledge and skills needed to support classroom instruction and foster student success under the guidance of a licensed teacher. Through hands-on learning and practical experiences, students will learn strategies for assisting with core subjects such as math, science, reading, and writing, while gaining expertise in classroom management techniques that create positive learning environments. The program emphasizes individualized and small-group support, including tutoring, monitoring student activities, and facilitating engagement. Graduates will understand child development principles, effective communication, and instructional practices aligned with Title I requirements, preparing them to work primarily in elementary and middle school settings. This comprehensive foundation equips students to become valued members of educational teams, promoting academic growth and inclusion for all learners. 

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

This program also requires:

  • Criminal Background Check
    • This background check is required by state law and must be completed and approved before starting any field placement. 

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

NOTE: The fees below are 2025-2026 fees. They will be updated when 2026-2027 fees are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $152.85 per credit (resident)
  • $229.28 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $192.20 per credit (resident)
  • $288.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $5.00 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $13.76 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. 

Several factors influence the total cost of your degree, including enrollment fees, the number of credits required, textbooks and equipment. Financial aid can assist with those costs.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
522-103 EDU: Introduction to Educational Practices 3
522-104 EDU: Technology in Ed 3
522-105 EDU: Behavior Management 3
801-136 English Composition 1 3
890-101 College 101 2
 Credits15
Semester 2
522-102 EDU: Techniques in Reading 3
522-106 EDU: Child and Adolescent Development 3
522-107 EDU: Overview of Special Education 3
522-129 EDU: Practicum 1 3
Behavioral Science Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 3
522-112 EDU: Equity in Education 3
522-114 EDU: Techniques in Language Arts 3
522-119 EDU: Techniques in Social Studies 3
801-198 Speech 3
Social Science Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 4
522-118 EDU: Techniques in Math 3
522-120 EDU: Techniques in Science 3
522-124 EDU: Supporting Students With Disabilities 3
522-131 EDU: Practicum 2 3
Mathematics Course 3
Social Science Course 3
 Credits18
 Total Credits63

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate instructional support strategies for content areas
  • Implement developmentally appropriate practices to foster learning
  • Adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners
  • Use proactive classroom management techniques
  • Perform professional responsibilities
  • Incorporate the reflective process to promote professional growth

Career Opportunities

  • Paraprofessional / Teacher’s Aide – Support classroom teachers and assist with student learning. 
  • Substitute Teacher – Fill in for teachers in K–12 settings. 
  • Instructional Support Roles – Positions such as tutoring, academic coaching, or learning center staff. 
  • Pathway to Teacher Licensure – This program can serve as a stepping-stone toward a bachelor’s degree and full teaching certification.