Earn a degree in education to land a job in the classroom.
The first step to becoming a teacher is earning a degree in the field. Though most teaching positions require four-year bachelor's degrees, students can get a start on their education by enrolling in an education program at a community college. This way, they can take education-specific courses that can count toward their bachelor's degree while saving money. Several community colleges offer associate degrees in education.
Gateway Community College
Gateway Community College in New Haven, Connecticut, offers an associate degree in early childhood education with a focus in special education. This 66-credit program includes 25 general education credits in courses like Fundamentals in Human Communication, Computer Literacy and General Psychology.
Then, students move into education-specific coursework, taking classes like Child Growth and Development, Curriculum for Exceptional Children and Math for Elementary Education. Students can choose from electives like Children's Literature, Behavior Modification and Music and Movement for Children.
Mercer County Community College
Trenton, New Jersey's Mercer County Community College offers an Associate in Arts degree in liberal arts and sciences with an education focus. Students complete between 62 to 66 credits to earn the degree.
Courses include general education courses like Public Speaking, English Composition and Introduction to Psychology. Education courses include Child Development, Sociology of Education and Concepts of Health and Fitness. In these courses, students learn about current issues facing educators and strategies to teach different types of learners.
NHTI Concord
NHTI Concord, located in New Hampshire, offers an early childhood education degree. This two-year program requires students to complete 70 credit hours.
Students jump into education courses as early as their first semester, which also includes some general education course work requirements. They can expect to take classes like Growth and Development of the Young Child; Child, Family and Community; Teaching Young Children with Special Needs; and The Early Childhood Professional.
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College, which has locations across Indiana, has an early childhood education program available for its students. This degree prepares students for positions in education, such as teacher's aide, childcare provider or preschool teacher. In addition, this associate-level program prepares students to transfer to state schools like Indiana University and Ball State University.
Courses include Early Childhood Administration, Families in Transition, Child Growth and Development, and Health, Safety and Nutrition.
Tags: Community College, childhood education, early childhood education, general education, Growth Development