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 affordable, accessible 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.