Congratulations! You have decided to touch the future! Your decision to obtain a degree in Elementary Education will allow you to positively influence the lives of our young. In an effort to applaud your decision, we, at Butler Community College, would like to provide you with optimum learning experiences in our BEST Program. The BEST Program (Butler and Emporia, from Students to Teachers) offers all of its students a seamless transition from Butler to Emporia State University in obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

One of the unique aspects of the BEST Program (link to ESU's BEST Program website and class information - http://lifelong.emporia.edu/eled/bcc/index.htm ) is that students can stay right on the Butler of El Dorado campus for the first three years of their degree program. Students take both Butler and ESU courses during this timeframe to meet degree requirements. During the fourth and final year of the degree program, students learn directly in one of the BEST Program's Professional Development Schools (PDS). The PDS provides students with invaluable learning experiences working directly in an elementary school with young children (K-6) and their teachers. After one year in the PDS, BEST students will have the expertise of a 2nd or 3rd year teacher, making BEST graduates very desirable to hiring school districts.

Another unique aspect of the BEST Program is the training BEST students receive in mathematics, science, and technology. Along with the math and science methods courses, BEST students will participate in a Math/Science Seminar course. This innovate, new course will provide BEST students with numerous "hands-on" learning units in math and science. As part of the seminar course, BEST students will work directly with elementary school students to provide math and science learning activities for those young, inquiring minds. Butler and ESU also offer exceptional instructional technology courses to prepare BEST students to teach in this technologically advanced society. It's time to say "yes" to the BEST! We are happy to become a part of your endeavor to shape the future.