"If you are considering becoming a teacher, you should consider coming to this event," said Kelley Pujol, coordinator of evening services and cohort programs. "One of the best things any prospective student can do is talk with professionals in their field of interest prior to beginning a program."

Columbia State offers general transfer associate degree programs in early childhood education and teaching for K-6, as well as a basic early childhood education certificate program. Columbia State also has a long-standing partnership with Middle Tennessee State University for the 2+2 elementary education program. This program allows students to complete their associate degree at Columbia State and continue their studies toward a bachelor's degree at MTSU, with all coursework being held at a Columbia State campus.

Opportunities to pursue these degrees are available at all Columbia State campuses, and all programs are current with state regulations and testing requirements for becoming a teacher in Tennessee.

"The need for qualified teachers and teaching assistants is on the rise in all of our service areas," Pujol said. "It is important for those interested to know that they can go as far as they want in their pursuit of an education degree right here on the Columbia Campus."

There will be presentations throughout the evening, and Columbia State and MTSU faculty will be available to answer questions for those who want to know what they need to do to get started at Columbia State.

The open house is open to the public and will take place in Room 118 of the Frank G. Clement Building, located on the Columbia Campus at 1665 Hampshire Pike. Refreshments will be served.

Additional questions about the event can be directed to Pujol at (931) 540-2862.

Evening Services is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. and provides assistance to evening students and faculty. The office is equipped to handle advising, administration and registration, and assistance with forming study groups and online networks for adult students.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.