Teacher Education
Associate of Science
Certificate
Division: Education and Social Sciences
Division Chair: TBA
Department Chair: Deirdre Rock, drock@sunyrockland.edu
Department Support Staff: April Jones, ajones4@sunyrockland.edu
Department Office: Academic I, Room 1123, Phone: 845-574-4562
Why Study Teacher Education?
Careers in education consistently rank among the most in-demand positions in today’s society. Providing children with a solid educational foundation and preparing them to be productive citizens are crucial priorities. Teachers find intrinsic reward and fulfillment from helping children achieve their potential and giving them the opportunities afforded by a quality education.
RCC’s Teacher Education program offers three Associate of Science (AS) degrees to prepare students to transfer to a baccalaureate program and complete their teacher certification requirements in early childhood education (birth-Grade 2), childhood education (Grades 1-6) or adolescence education (Grades 7-12). All transfer degree programs have been carefully aligned with several regional colleges to ensure ease of transfer.
Students who earn the Early Childhood Certificate can transition easily to the Teacher Education associate degree programs.
Degrees Offered:
Occupational Objectives:
The AS Teacher Transfer program will prepare students to transfer to a baccalaureate program to continue their education in early childhood education (Birth – grade 2), childhood education (Grades 1-6) or adolescence education (Grades 7-12). Students who complete the program and want to seek immediate employment may obtain positions as teaching assistants.
5 Top Reasons
To Study Teacher Education Transfer Programs at RCC:
- VALUE: Save up to $100,000 by attending RCC before transferring to a four-year school. Financial aid and scholarships available.
- CAREER: Career Services Center provides assistance in locating internships and job opportunities both off and on campus.
- TRANSFER agreements with many four-year colleges: The degree meets core requirements for several other degrees. High-achieving students transfer to the Ivy League and other top schools.
- FACULTY: Learn from instructors who offer combined practical work experience with advanced academic degrees.
- SUPPORT: Small class sizes, more individual attention, free tutoring.
Opportunities at Rockland Community College:
The Childhood Development Associate (CDA) Credential is valuable for early childhood practitioners in preschools, child care and Head Start centers. The Teaching Assistant coursework, leading to NYS certification, is ideal for TAs who wish to work in local schools. Teacher Education students have access to multiple high-quality fieldwork experiences in regional schools and early childhood programs.
Notably, the Campus Fun & Learn Child Development Center on RCC’s campus offers a living laboratory for aspiring early childhood teachers to learn about child development and best practices.
Program Goals:
The program will provide students with an effective, rigorous, and dynamic liberal arts and theoretical based program that will assist students in becoming effective teaching professionals. Students enroll in course work that will prepare them for the New York State Teacher Certification Exams.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Develop and demonstrate mastery of effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills
- Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Develop and demonstrate knowledge of core theories and practices of child and/or adolescence growth and development
- Develop an understanding of the many cultures and family configurations in society as well as an awareness of the racial, ethnic, equity, justice and gender issues facing youth in schools today
- Develop a sense of professionalism and exhibit high ethical standards in all dealings with colleagues, adults, children and families
- Develop a knowledge and understanding of the NYS Common Core Curriculum standards