Overview
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Introduction to Teacher Education
Certification to teach in the public schools requires a four-year degree. This program is designed to prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions with a Teacher Education degree and also meets the needs of paraprofessionals seeking to fulfill national and state requirements. The program provides introductory experiences at the elementary, middle, and/or high school level as well as exposes students to a variety of teaching philosophies and approaches to curriculum, classroom management, student engagement, and meeting individual needs. The historical, societal, and legal aspects are also explored. The student works closely with an academic advisor to choose the electives and sequence of courses that best meet the specific requirements of their chosen teaching fields and transfer institution. Students should be aware that most four-year colleges require the successful completion of the Praxis core examination as well as a minimum grade point average, usually 2.5 or better, as a condition of admission.
Students are advised that anyone working in a public school must be free of criminal convictions as required by the NH Department of Education. Some schools may require a background check prior to observing or volunteering. The student may incur fees in meeting this requirement.
Program Goal
The mission of the Teacher Education Program is to provide students with the foundation to become effective educators. Students will gain a firm understanding of schools and their functions, the teaching process, effective techniques and the art of reflection in order to meet the needs of all children. Students will be able to experience elementary, middle and high school levels. The program is aligned with national standards and four-year colleges with education degrees.
Course Sequencing
Degree Program – First Year
ENGL110XM or ENGL110M
Total Credits: 4
Foreign Language/Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
Total Credits: 3
Mathematics Elective
Total Credits: 4
Foreign Language/Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
Total Credits: 3
Degree Program – Second Year
Lab Science Elective
Total Credits: 4
(BIOL, CHEM, ENVS, ESCI, GEOL, PHYS)
English Elective (3 credits)
Total Credits: 3
Open Elective (3 credits)
Total Credits: 3
Social Science Elective
Total Credits: 3
(ANTH, ECON, GEOG, HIST, POLS, PSYC, SOCI)
Lab Science Elective
Total Credits: 4
(BIOL, CHEM, ENVS, ESCI, GEOL, PHYS)
Foreign Language/Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
Total Credits: 3
Program Outcomes
Students who graduate from this program will be able to:
- Develop an appreciation for the act of reflective practice and recognize the impact of ongoing reflection in order to become an effective educator
- Be exposed to elementary, middle, and secondary school systems while developing an understanding of the importance of meeting the individual needs of all children
- Acquire an understanding of various educational theories and their application to the real-world classroom
- Be exposed to a variety of teaching techniques used in today’s classrooms to meet the individual needs of all children
Admission Requirements
Students interested in applying for the Teacher Education are required to meet with an Admissions Counselor before acceptance into the program. Transfer students from other degree programs or colleges must have a 2.5 GPA for admission to this program.
Transfer Credit Policy
In addition to MCC transfer credit policies, appropriate education courses will be accepted if taken within a five-year period. Exceptions to this policy, based on professional experience, may be granted at the discretion of the Department Chair. Proper documentation will be required to initiate this process.
Technical Standards
- Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain in the program.
- Individuals expecting to pursue their teacher certification and/or seek employment in the educational system are required to undergo criminal background checks and fingerprinting.
- Students who expect to transfer to a four-year degree program may be required to complete the Praxis Core exam for admission to the college and pass the test for approval for student teaching. MCC has an online tutoring program to prepare students for the Praxis Core. More information can be found here: https://www.ets.org/praxis/nh
- Students seeking employment as a “highly qualified” paraprofessional or teacher assistant must pass the Praxis Core exam.
- Students seeking a career in education should be physically and mentally fit to withstand a physically active work environment and the stress of ever-changing circumstances and have the ability to respond quickly and appropriately when events require.
- Students are also expected to have the maturity to accept direction and guidance, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with teachers, fellow students, children and their families.
School Age Special Education Certificate
May be earned independently or as part of the education degree, and includes three courses that fulfill the requirements of the Education Focus Transfer electives. Students completing the certificate may be eligible for employment as paraprofessionals for children with special needs.
Academics
of MCC classes have 19 or fewer students.