Instructional Aide Pathway

Instructional Aide Pathway

Complete your college degree and receive your teacher certification via Distance Education.

Classes begin Summer 2025

Designed for Instructional Aides with 1+ years of classroom experience

About the Program

The Texas State University Online Instructional Aide Pathway was designed to recognize and build on the professional experiences of classroom-based Instructional Aides. Our program is designed for Instructional Aides who want to earn a bachelor’s degree with teacher certification. Our courses are 100% online and include job-embedded learning activities. Students engage in eight-week courses designed for working adults and participate in a year-long teacher residency.

  • Application opens in January 2025
  • Classes begin Summer 2025
  • Bachelor’s degree with teacher certification within 120 hours
  • If you have less than 60 hours of college credit, you may start at Austin Community College, Texas State University, or other community colleges.
  • For classroom-based instruction aides or paraprofessionals with classroom duties
  • Multiple entry points (Summer, Fall, Spring)

College of Education and Instructional Aide Pathway Admission:

Any student admitted to Texas State may declare and be admitted to the instructional aide pathway education program under a temporary status known as “pre-major.” Once you have accumulated at least 36 credit hours and meet the requirements outlined below, you will be admitted to the school in full-major status. You will not be admitted to the major if you fail to meet these requirements.

  • Minimum of one year employment as an instructional aide, and current employment as an instructional aide in a Texas PK-12 public or accredited private school district
  • Minimum 2.25 overall GPA*
  • Completed pre-major: 36-37 credit hours**

To satisfy graduation requirements for teacher certification, students must have an Overall GPA of at least 2.75, as well as grades of “C” or better in all courses within the Major(s), Teaching Field(s), Certification area(s), and/or in the Education Minor.

*Starting Fall 2025 the minimum GPA requirement will increase from 2.25 to 2.5

**Students with an Associate of Arts in Teaching in EC-6 education will have transfer credit for the pre-major coursework. Some coursework requires a ‘C’ or better.

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Your Journey Starts Here

Take your place among inspiring teachers who, for over 120 years have started their teaching journey at Texas State.