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Associate’s Degree

Associate of Science in Transformational Education

Enroll at Gracelyn, dedicated to preparing amazing educators.

Prepare to Lead in the Classroom

Program Overview

The Associate of Science in Transformational Education is for those early in their education journey who want to complete their general education requirements with a focus on education. This program provides general education courses, practical classroom strategies and a strong biblical foundation to help you accomplish your purpose. Designed for childcare professionals, early childhood educators, K-12 paraprofessionals, teacher assistants, and other support staff who want to serve children by upskilling with their associate’s degree. This program provides the practical training, instructional strategies, and academic foundation needed to make an even greater impact on children’s lives.

With a curriculum taught from a biblical worldview, students develop expertise in classroom management, instructional strategies, literacy development, and special education, all while gaining the confidence and credentials to lead their own classrooms. This fully online, flexible program allows working professionals to continue serving children while earning their degree and advancing their careers.

What You’ll Learn

  • General Education (ELAR, Math, Science, Etc.)
  • Foundational principles of transformational education
  • Classroom management and differentiated instruction
  • Literacy instruction and the science of reading
  • Special education and English language learner strategies
  • Biblical principles applied to teaching

Program Highlights

  • Fully Online & Flexible – Study on your schedule while balancing work and family.
  • Affordable Tuition – Low-cost tuition with textbooks included.
  • Faith-Based Approach – Integrating a biblical worldview.
  • Field Experience – Hands-on practice through real-world classroom observations and teaching experiences.

Who Should Enroll?

This program is ideal for those with zero to thirty college credits. If you are in high school or a recent graduate, a childcare professional, a paraprofessional, a teacher assistant, or seeking a career in education, this program will work for you.

A Few Courses You’ll Take

  • English Composition I & II
  • US History I & II
  • Psychology
  • Principles of Teaching in Education
  • The Science of Reading
  • Transformational Classroom Assessment
  • Special Education Fundamentals

Program Courses and Descriptions

This course offers a basic study of characteristics of how different age groups learn using lesson objectives and teaching methods appropriate for a variety of age groups. It will explore the teaching principles of Jesus connected with a look at the teaching/learning process and application of teaching methods. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
This course explores the fundamentals of elementary and secondary teaching, emphasizing effective teacher qualities and their development. It covers educational theory, special education legal aspects, instructional models, curriculum, and assessment from a biblical worldview while highlighting ethical principles and professional responsibilities in education. Prerequisites: EDUC 1102 Principles of Teaching in Education
This course offers students the opportunity to learn how to use arts and crafts, drama, dance, music, and songwriting in the elementary school classroom, along with learning how to use their gifts and talents to the glory of God. Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Education
The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how to implement effective teaching. Methods for teaching decoding, language comprehension and reading comprehension. Students will learn the fundamental principles and concepts of the structure of language, with a focus on phonological awareness and phonics. Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Education
This course will address the use of formal and informal training in reading instruction and intervention, including assessments, instructional practices, and interventions to improve student reading proficiency for struggling readers, including students with the characteristics of dyslexia in student K – 5th grade. Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Education
This course focuses on planning that leads to student transformation, from setting up the classroom to curriculum, with its varied presentations for students from various cultures and with different learning styles. It includes direct and indirect approaches to teaching language and social science material along with the implementation of strategies and assessments. Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Education
States of matter; physical properties; elements, compounds and mixtures; the periodic table; structure and bonding; physical and chemical change; chemical calculations: mole concept, significant figures, stoichiometry, concentrations; molecular shape; intermolecular forces; gas laws; balancing equations; acids, bases and pH; volumetric analysis; chemical equilibrium. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
This course is designed as an interactive integrated introduction to physical science. Students will focus on fundamental concepts of physical science within the earth. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
This course helps students to apply a variety of activities related to biblical concepts of wholeness. Addresses the integration of mind, body, and spirit healing from personal and professional perspectives. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
This introductory course helps students master the interconnected nature of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking through seven integrated strands of developing and sustaining language skills; comprehension; response; multiple genres; author’s purpose and craft; composition; and inquiry and research. The strands focus on academic proficiency in oral expression and comprehension, authentic reading, and reflective writing. The strands are integrated to help students develop knowledge and skills with increased complexity and nuance in order to think critically and adapt to the ever-evolving nature of language and literacy. Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes precision, accuracy and effectiveness in written English. The class will focus on the writing process, research techniques and properly citing texts. The class will emphasize persuasive and research writing and speaking, as well as vocabulary acquisition and research presentation. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
This reading and writing intensive course introduces a variety of literature. Students learn about literary forms, terms, and techniques. Extensive writing in response to literature is also expected of course participants. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
Examines principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another. A case study approach increases students’ awareness of different ways of thinking and expression, different value systems and worldviews, thus helping them to be more effective in communicating cross-culturally. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
Students will examine the major issues of microeconomics, including consumer and producer behavior, the nature of supply and demand, the different kinds of markets and how they function, and the welfare outcomes of consumers and producers. Students will also explore how these formal principles and concepts apply to real-world issues. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
This foundational course introduces students to the core principles, theories, and practices of psychology. It covers key areas of psychological study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, human development, personality, and mental health. Students will explore research methods and how psychological knowledge applies to everyday life, fostering critical thinking skills. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
A review of basic mathematical operations, including fractions, percent, and decimals. The course will introduce the basic concepts and applications of functions and demonstrate how to apply mathematics to practical situations. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
This course explores mathematical understanding and reasoning across the following domains: mathematical operations and computation; algebraic reasoning; proportionality; coordinate and transformational geometry; statistical concepts; functions and equations; trigonometry; and measurement and data analysis. Prerequisites: MATH 1350: Fundamentals of Mathematics I
A historical survey of the New Testament. This course will allow students to examine the New Testament, key concepts, and events that helped birth Christianity. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
This course is an introduction to major components that influences spiritual growth leaving students with the tools, resources, and strategies to help them become effective followers of Jesus. Prerequisites: BIBL 1101 New Testament Discovery
A biblical survey of wisdom for life as a teacher. This course will source wisdom from the Old and New Testaments on issues relevant to flourishing as a teacher. Key concepts include teaching for discovery, collaboration, compassion, listening, and resolving conflict. Prerequisites: BIBL 2101 Following Jesus and Spiritual Formation