New Teacher Education Program Debuts at Yakima Valley College

Yakima Campus photo
Yakima, WA – Yakima Valley College hosts the opening session for its brand-new Teacher Education program Wednesday, August 8, as 31 students begin their journey towards a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Teacher Education. This new program was created in response to requests from local school district leaders, who identified an ever-increasing demand for teachers in our community. YVC welcomes a diverse inaugural cohort of students, many of whom are YVC graduates and members of the Yakima community. Half of these trailblazing students are currently employed in local school districts in para-professional or support staff positions.

The BAS in Teacher Education is a residency-based model where teacher candidates are placed in schools from the start of the program, working closely with mentor teachers and building staff.  YVC has entered into agreements with local school districts, to place students within the Pre-K thru 8th grades. YVC’s goal is to prepare, graduate and certify competent, diverse teachers for Yakima Valley schools.

Leaders from local school districts, who are both competent in knowledge and practice, and committed to leadership and advocacy for social justice in education helped form the advisory panel that developed YVC’s Teacher Education curriculum. The program prepares candidates for the Elementary Education endorsement (K-8), with options to add endorsements in Early Childhood Education (P-3) or English Language Learners.

Media Availability

Wed., Aug. 8th – Opening Session – YVC Yakima Campus
Students and instructors available for interviews
Contact Jay Frank, 509.574.6870, for assistance

Press Release Contacts

Jay Frank / 509.574.6870 / jfrank@yvcc.edu
Stefanie Menard / 509.574.4646 / smenard@yvcc.edu