College partners with SFASU to offer interdisciplinary studies teaching degree

Panola College and Stephen F. Austin State University have partnered to offer the Panola Pathway, which will allow students to expand on their associate degree to eventually earn a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS) from SFA.

Students who earned an Associate of Arts in teaching degree from the College will enroll in SFA courses taught online or on the Carthage campus toward the BSIS. The program will also prepare students to sit for the Texas teaching certification exams.

“Panola College is excited to build upon the relationship we have with Stephen F. Austin State University by providing students access to earn a baccalaureate degree on the Panola College campus,” said Dr. Billy Adams, vice president of instruction at Panola College. “There is a great need across Texas and the nation for additional qualified teachers to fill employment gaps, especially in rural areas across East Texas, so this is an incredible opportunity for our students and community.”

While courses will be primarily online, the program will offer at least one face-to-face course per semester. Students will choose between two concentrations: early childhood through grade 6 or 4-8 middle-level education. Students will also have six different areas of content focus to choose from, including core subjects EC-6; core subjects 4-8; English, language arts, and reading 4-8; math 4-8; science 4-8; and social studies 4-8.

Throughout the program, students will be exposed to field-basic experiences and complete field hours, which are hours spent in Texas prekindergarten through 12th grade classrooms to provide hands-on, authentic experience with teaching.

Students who are interested may contact Dr. Rebecca Morris, professor of education at Panola College, at rmorris@panola.edu for more information about the program.