Programs

The Associate's Degree in Teacher Preparation is designed for those students intending to transfer to a Bachelor's Degree program and obtain state certification in either elementary education (k-8) or in a specific discipline (e.g. middle/high school science education).

Our off-campus program is designed for paraprofessionals wishing either to continue their education, or to complete an Associate's Degree under the state's Highly Qualified mandate. Some paraprofessionals may also wish to transfer to Bachelor's Degree programs to obtain their teacher certification.

The Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation concentrates on the foundations of education in a well-balanced approach. It allows students to focus on elementary, middle, or secondary education with a common first year of course work. In the second year, students elect an educaational transfer focus in any of the following areas: elementary education; math education; science education; social science education, or English education. Students taking the Associate in Arts Degree in Teacher Preparation may select the Special Education Track. This program provides teachers and paraprofessionals with the knowledge, skills and strategies for supporting students with disabilities.

Courses are offered in both the day and evening divisions, with evening division courses generally scheduled for late afternoon to accommodate working adults. Most courses are delivered in a traditional format, with a combination of lecture, discusssion, hands-on projects, written work, student presentations, and classroom observations required. Some of our courses also take a "hybrid" approach, alternating class meeting times with online instruction. Still other courses are offered completely online.

Our off-campus program meets at area schools in the late afternoon for the convenience of paraprofessionals in those schools. However, there may be occasions when students in this program will need or want to take courses on campus or online.

Our Education Department, which includes both Teahcer Preparation and Early Childhood Education, also offers professional development opportunities for all educators. Workshops, seminars, and other presentations are offered for Continuing Education Units (CEU's). Check our "Department News" page to find any current offerings. We are always open to suggestions as well, so please feel free to contact us with your needs and ideas!