Glendale Community College is graduating its first bachelor’s degree students on May 9, rewarding 12 individuals with a Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education and Special Education (BAEE) degree. The degrees mark the first time in the school’s 60-year history that students have graduated with that level of degree, having previously only awarded associate’s degrees and certificates.
The program was added in recognition of Arizona’s severe teacher shortage, providing the community with a low-cost option to explore a career in education while also filling a major need in the state’s workforce.
“The program is amazing. I’d recommend it to anybody that is seeking education or special education as well too, because it’s a dual certification program,” upcoming graduate Vincent Nguyen said. “I’ve had great professors, a lot of people to motivate me. They welcome me with open arms, and if I ever need any help or anything like that, I know that I can count on them.”…