Teaching
Inspire the next generation with COM's Associate of Arts in Teaching Program.
Educators leave legacies that live long after the last bell of the school year rings. Through partnerships with local school districts, College of the Mainland trains students to be leaders in the field.
The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree is a collegiate degree program consisting of lower-division courses intended for transfer to baccalaureate programs that lead to initial Texas teacher certification.
COM offers three AAT curricula, and they are intended to be fully transferable to any Texas public university offering baccalaureate degree programs leading to these initial teacher certifications.
Choose Your Path
Associate of Arts in Teaching – Leading to Initial Texas Teacher Certification: Early childhood through sixth grade
This degree prepares students to ignite the imaginations of the youngest learners.
Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree
Associate of Arts in Teaching – Leading to Initial Texas Teacher Certification: fourth to eighth grade or early childhood to 12th grade (special education)
This degree trains students to spark a love of learning in fourth through eighth grade students or special-needs children in any grade.
Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree
Associate of Arts in Teaching – Leading to Initial Texas Teacher Certification: eighth grade to 12th grade or early childhood to 12th grade (other than special education)
This degree prepares future teachers to guide eighth to 12th grade students.
Why Choose Teaching Degrees at COM
- Enjoy small, hands-on classes.
- Learn with professors with years of experience teaching children.
- Get involved in the Education Club.
- Gain practice teaching at local schools.
- COM is an NAEYC-accredited school.
Every Student Succeeds Act
While the degree is designed for transfer purposes, for those who decide to “stop out” after completing the AAT, this degree meets the “Every Student Succeeds Act” requirements for paraprofessionals.
In addition, completion of the AAT is much like that of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in that it may qualify students for work that requires at least an associate’s degree.
Program Details
Next Start Date
Jan. 2026
Learning Format
Face to Face
Program Length
4 semesters
Degree Plan
View in course catalog
Let’s Connect!
409-933-8264
enrollment@com.edu
Careers & Outcomes
Graduates often find opportunities as teacher’s aides, classroom support specialists, tutoring assistants, after-school program staff, or early learning center assistants—roles that allow them to work directly with children while gaining valuable classroom experience.
See their Success
Meet these College of the Mainland grads to discover how our programs meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.
Meet Mikayla Roseboro
Teaching Program
At COM they want to get to know you. It feels so good to know that you not only have your family and friends to keep your up, but your teachers as well.
Additional Program Info
Financial Aid and Scholarships Available
High school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE)
- Apply to COM and submit the necessary documents (transcripts, meningitis vaccination if under 22 and proof of Texas residency).
- Meet with Academic Advisor.
Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion. The following website provides links to information about the licensing process and requirements: https://tea.texas.gov
Should you wish to request a review of the impact of criminal history on your potential Associates of Arts in Teaching degree prior to or during your quest for a degree, you can visit the following link and request a “Criminal History Evaluation”:
https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/
This information is being provided to all persons who apply or enroll in the program, with notice of the requirements as described above, regardless of whether or not the person has been convicted of a criminal offense. Additionally, HB 1508 authorizes licensing agencies to require reimbursements when a student fails to receive the required notice.