Elementary Education

Overview

The Associate of Arts Elementary Education (AAEE) degree serves two primary groups: (1) future teachers seeking entrance into teacher education programs through transfer to one of Arizona’s public universities, and (2) future and currently employed teacher aides seeking to comply with federal regulations. The degree allows students to satisfy their Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements and to complete a number of teacher education and/or early childhood education courses. To ensure seamless transfer, students must develop their specific program of study in close coordination with a Cochise College advisor.

The Paraeducator certificate is designed to prepare students to work as paraeducators in K-12 schools under the direction of certified classroom educators. Program requirements include coursework in foundations of education, culturally relevant pedagogy, and classroom management as well as a practicum within a classroom setting.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to do the following:

• Assess public education, the education profession, educational institutions, and educational systems within American society, including the public school setting.
• Analyze current educational issues and the role, responsibilities, and qualifications of educators.
• Differentiate and apply connections among educational theories and methodologies.
• Demonstrate an understanding of special education, current educational practices, and related educational theories.
• Analyze and articulate the relationship of cultural values to the formation of the child's self-concept and learning style.
• Characterize and articulate the impact of negative influences on the educational process.

Admissions Requirements

Program Prerequisite: Prior to enrolling in EDU 224 students must obtain a valid Arizona IVP clearance card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (requires fee).

Notes:

• Students interested in following UA Pathways with an ESL endorsement need 4 semesters of Foreign Language (replace elective credit with either four semesters of Spanish, American Sign Language, or other).
• Students interested in teaching kindergarten through third grade (early childhood), replace elective credit with Early Childhood Education classes. This will help to meet the Early Childhood Education endorsement criteria.
• Students interested in teaching secondary education should select courses in their major area as elective courses (e.g., students who want to teach Biology, should select Biology courses for electives; those who want to teach Math, should select Math courses).

Degree & Certificates

• Elementary Education - AAEE Degree - Transfer (Catalog)
• Paraeducator - Certificate - Less Than 1 Year (Catalog)