Offered by Marian University’s Fred S. Klipsch Educators College
Launching Fall 2025 | 100% Online | Designed for Working Professionals
Turn Your Classroom Experience into a Teaching Career
Marian University proudly introduces the Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program, a groundbreaking pathway to earning a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Educational Studies with a Specialization in Elementary Education.
Why Choose This Program?
- Flexible & 100% Online: Stay in your current school role while earning your degree entirely online.
- Designed for Adults in the Classroom: Use your current K–6 school experience to fulfill required clinical hours—no need for additional unpaid placements.
- Accelerated Path to Licensure: Already have an associate’s degree or equivalent? Graduate in as little as two years and meet all State of Indiana licensure requirements.
- Train with Experts: Learn from nationally recognized faculty from the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College, a leader in teacher preparation.
- Support Your School: Your district can grow talent from within helping combat the statewide teacher shortage while building your career.
What You’ll Learn in the Applied Educational Studies Program
Through Marian University’s online teacher apprenticeship program, you’ll build the foundational knowledge required for successful K–6 classroom teaching. Coursework emphasizes instructional planning, child development, classroom management, educational psychology, and culturally responsive teaching.
Because this is a Grow Your Own Teacher Program, you will apply concepts in real time within your current school setting, strengthening your instructional skills, confidence, and readiness for Indiana K–6 teacher licensure.
Flexible Online Coursework for Working Paraprofessionals
This online teaching degree bachelor’s program is designed for full-time school employees who want to become licensed teachers without stepping away from their current roles. Coursework is delivered 100% online and integrates with your day-to-day responsibilities.
If you currently serve as a paraprofessional, instructional aide, classroom assistant, or support staff, your school experience can accelerate degree progress — allowing you to earn a bachelor’s degree and complete clinical requirements in your own classroom environment.
Who Should Apply?
- Classroom assistants, paraprofessionals, or other non-licensed school staff working in K–6
- Individuals with prior college credit or an associate’s degree
- Passionate educators ready to make a lasting impact on young learners
A Direct Pathway to Indiana K–6 Teacher Licensure
As part of the Applied Educational Studies – Teacher Apprenticeship Program, students complete a structured pathway that fulfills all requirements for Indiana K–6 teacher licensure. Your apprenticeship hours, current school experience, and online coursework combine to meet observation and field-experience expectations.
This approach reduces redundancy, lowers financial barriers, and supports working adults through a highly practical route to becoming a licensed elementary teacher.
Start Your Journey Today
Program Starts: Fall 2025
Format: 100% Online
Completion Time: ~2 years (with qualifying credits)
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
Please visit the Business Office "Tuition Rates" page.
Why Teacher Apprenticeships Support School & Community Needs
Across Indiana and the nation, districts are investing in Grow Your Own Teacher Programs to address educator shortages and build a sustainable, community-centered teacher workforce. Apprenticeships allow schools to elevate proven employees into full teaching roles while supporting their pursuit of an online bachelor’s degree in education.
This model strengthens school culture, improves teacher retention, and ensures that classrooms are led by committed, experienced professionals who already understand student needs.
Career Outcomes for Teacher Apprenticeship Graduates
Completing this teacher apprenticeship bachelor’s degree online prepares you for licensed teaching roles in elementary schools across Indiana. Graduates often move into positions such as:
- K–6 classroom teacher
- Reading or math intervention aide
- Inclusion or resource specialist (with further licensure)
- Instructional support roles
- School leadership pathways (with future graduate study)
With continued professional experience, this degree also lays the foundation for master's-level programs in educational leadership, special education, and curriculum and instruction.
Ready to Apply?
- Visit marian.edu/applynow
- Select "Marian University Online" under "Bachelor Degree Applications"
- Choose “Applied Educational Studies - BA with Specialization in Elementary Education”
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are exploring alternative routes, Marian also offers a Transition to Teaching licensure program.
Questions?
Contact Program Director Jacob Tandy, Ph.D. at jtandy@marian.edu
To explore additional pathways in teacher preparation, visit Marian’s Fred S. Klipsch Educators College (high-level “home” for teacher ed)
Prepare. Inspire. Teach.
Become the educator your classroom already knows you can be—with Marian University.