Description
This program will prepare students with the required coursework for a successful career as a Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional. The Teaching Assistant certificate provides an opportunity for teaching assistants and individuals interested in k12 education to begin their higher education in a gradual and supportive manner. The program fulfills the college credit hour requirements for New York State level II, III and pre-professional Teaching Assistant Certificate. The certificate will also transfer into an Associate in Arts Teacher Education Degree leading to a baccalaureate degree and NYS Teacher Certification for students interested in pursuing teaching as a career.

This course of study provides students with the opportunity to experience the basic fundamentals of teaching in the classroom while studying various integral aspects of the profession. The course of study also provides students with a balance of course work between completing education classes, general education coursework, and elective coursework.

Graduates of this program receive a solid foundation in both the liberal arts and sciences as well as the educational functions of teaching assistants and may find employment in pre-school, elementary and secondary schools.
(Housed in the Education Department)

Program Learning Outcomes
1) demonstrate an understanding and be conversant about the main theoretical and sociological ideas and trends that currently influence schools classroom practice and the teaching profession.
2) identify professional expectations and responsibilities and articulate a basic understanding of teaching assistant/teaching as a career.
3) analyze the critical issues in and implications of the education and treatment of children with learning and behavior disorders.
4) summarize the complexities of a classroom setting and the teaching profession and appreciate the ethnic religious economic and learning diversity among students in public schools.

Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: http://www.onetonline.org

Requirements for Program Entrance
Algebra (1 year high school math or placement into Level 4 Math at MCC).

Distribution Requirements	Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER: 16-17 Credit Hours
EDU 100 Introduction to the Teaching Profession	1
EDU 150 Performance and Presentation Skills for Educators	3
ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition	3
HIS 111 History of the United States to 1865 OR HIS 112 History of the United States from 1865	3
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychological Science	3
MATH/NATURAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE*	3-4
Total	16-17
SECOND SEMESTER: 15-16 Credit Hours
EDU 200 Foundations of Education	3
PSY 202 Developmental Psychology Adolescent	3
PSY 261 Psychology of Learning and Behavior Disorders	3
MATH/NATURAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE*	3-4
HED 130 Foundations of Health and Wellness	3
Total	15-16
TOTAL CREDITS	31-33

* MTH 150 or higher. See advisor for appropriate placement.