Education - Specialization in Teacher Preparation (AA&S)

For Early Childhood PK-3, Elementary PK-6,
Middle Education 6-8 and Special Education
Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree

Program Coordinator:     Barbara Manuel, LRC 230, Ext. 2539
Length:                                Four semesters (two years)

Purpose: The VCCS Teacher Education Teacher Preparation Education degree is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree in pursuit of teacher licensure at a four-year institution in one of the following endorsement areas:
Early Childhood PK-3
Elementary PK-6
Middle Education 6-8
Special Education Licensure
Secondary Education
Students who enter this program should be aware of the requirements for professional employment in the education field including academic and licensing requirements. Consultation with the Counselor or faculty advisor is highly recommended. 

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, entry into the Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree Program with a major in Education requires the satisfactory completion of the following high school units or equivalent as a minimum: 4 units of English, 3 units of college preparatory mathematics, 1 unit of laboratory science, and 1 unit of social science.

Students who do not meet the mathematics requirements may be permitted to correct their deficiencies in developmental studies. Those students who meet the specific requirements for this degree program but are deficient in basic skills and understandings in English and/or mathematics will be required to enroll in appropriate developmental courses.

Program Requirements: The world of modern education demands that students be knowledgeable both in their teaching field and in general education. Thus, this curriculum requires courses in the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, health, and physical education. The Education curriculum is designed to lead the student toward meeting state teacher licensure requirements and teaching endorsements. This curriculum also provides a solid general core education as students prepare for pre-professional degrees.

Students are urged to consult with their counselors and advisors at Virginia Highlands Community College in planning their program and selecting electives. In order to prepare for upper division (junior class) standing at a four-year college or university, the student must complete a program at the community college which is comparable in length and courses to the first two years of the program at the four-year college or university. Upon satisfactory completion of the four-semester program listed, the graduate will be awarded the Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree with a major in Education - Specialization in Teacher Preparation.

Education - Specialization in Teacher Preparation

Total Minimum Credits for AA&S Degree........................61

Notes

Students are urged to acquaint themselves with the requirements of the teacher preparation program in the college or university to which transfer is contemplated; and further, to consult with their counselor (ISC 208) to prepare for Praxis I licensure exams after completing mathematics and English requirements. Community college graduates are encouraged to take Praxis prior to graduation.

Footnotes*

1. Students are urged to check the mathematics requirements of the four-year college or university to which they plan to transfer to determine the proper mathematics courses to be taken at the community college. Consult with Linda Garnett upon completion of mathematics requirements for Praxis I information at lgarnett@vhcc.edu.  
2. Health 110 or HLT 106 are strongly recommended.
3. Humanities electives for teacher preparation programs are restricted to ART 201, 202 or MUS 121, 122.
4. Students preparing for licensure in early childhood education must take either an additional science course such as CHM 101 or 111, PHY 121, 201, 231, GOL 105 or choose a literature option from among the following courses: ENG 241, 242, 243, 244, 251, 252 (not already completed in the curriculum).