First special ed/elementary ed teacher prep cohort graduates from ASU at Yuma
A new program produced in partnership with Arizona State University and Arizona Western College allows students living in Yuma to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education without traveling to Phoenix. This spring, the Sun Devil community is celebrating the graduation of the first education cohort.
Laura Corr, senior program strategist manager and clinical assistant professor says, "We wouldn't be able to do this without the wonderful support and collaboration of Arizona Western College, Yuma County school districts, ASU faculty members, and of course, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Our program is stronger than ever because of the deep commitment to education from the community members and leaders. We are so proud of the hard work of our students, many who are first-generation college students. They are truly trailblazers, heroes and bright spots of Yuma."
Education courses, which are offered online and on-site, are taught on-site at Arizona Western College by faculty members of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. The two degree programs offered are: Bachelor of Arts in Education, Secondary Education and Bachelor of Arts in Education, Special Education and Elementary Education.
Students have access to resources, such as the library and tutoring services, transportation services to and from AWC, the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, as well as career, academic and financial coaching.
When Deserae Duran, who began the program on ASU’s Tempe campus and is graduating this fall, heard the program was being offered at Yuma, she immediately transferred. “Being able to finish my bachelor’s degree at home, in Yuma, has been wonderful — it allowed me to stay close to my family.”
“I loved being in Tempe, but the classes and cohorts were so large. Being in a smaller cohort at Yuma, I received more one-on-one attention,” she says. “I feel like I was able to get the big university experience with a small-town feel.”