Teacher Education Catalog Information
| General Information | Elementary Education |
Secondary and Special Education |
Additional Courses |
General Information
The field of education is rapidly changing and aspiring teachers must be motivated and dedicated to academic excellence and willing to face the challenges presented in the real world of students, teachers, classrooms and schools. Student pursuing either an elementary, special education or secondary teaching certificate need to major and/or minor in subject disciplines they plan to teach. All students pursuing teacher certification should plan to take the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification: Basic Skills (reading, writing and mathematics) during the second semester of their freshman year or after completion of 12-16 credit hours. All colleges require successful completion of this test before acceptance into their college/university of education. For information on test dates, registration and cost, contact Student Development, your assigned academic advisor, the Education Coordinator or the main offices at the JCC Centers.
Each four-year institution has requirements for entrance into their University and additional requirements for admission into their College/School of Education and majors/minors. It is important the student contact the University or College they plan to attend early in the second semester of the freshman year for their education school requirements. Students need to know they must first be admitted to the four-year institution and second follow the admittance procedure to then be admitted into their College/School of education. Acceptance into a four-year college is not an automatic acceptance into their College/School of education
JCC and Spring Arbor University have developed a formal articulation agreement and partnership in Teacher Education. This partnership is designed to facilitate the education mobility and transfer of students from JCC to Spring Arbor University.
Back to TopElementary Education
The curriculum for students planning to become elementary teachers varies considerably depending on teaching major and/or minors' chosen and intended transfer institutions. Please see an advisor for additional information for the full time elementary education student program at JCC.
JCC's Program for elementary education majors benefits the student by:
- Focusing on education issues and perspectives:
- a) In the 1st and 2nd year general education curriculum (ex. English 131 section with education perspective)
- b) In student forums, events and organizations where subject matter relative to education and the teaching profession is presented, discussed and clarified
- Providing connections and support for education students to share concerns and issues
- Helping to facilitate transfer to 4-year colleges/universities of education
JCC recommends by the end of the freshman year each student:
- Investigate and decide a major/minor subject to teach
- Investigate and decide on a transfer four-year institution
- Complete application for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC-Basic Skills)
Secondary Education and Special Education
Students planning to become a secondary education teacher or a special education teacher must follow the recommended course of study provided by the transfer institution. Consult the transfer institution of choice for requirements as early as possible for course selection recommendations.
To become a state certified teacher in Michigan, a student must pass the Basic Skills Michigan Test for Teacher Certification to be accepted into a College/School of Education, must obtain a Bachelors Degree which include requirements for becoming a teacher, and upon graduation or just prior to it pass the Michigan Content Test in their major and minor(s).
Students must investigate the teacher education program at their intended transfer institution to be sure they offer the desired major and minor as well as the requirements to obtain teacher certification from the institution of choice. Each 4-year institution offers teacher certification in particular subject areas.
All teacher education students are encouraged and welcome to attend the teacher education forums and events and activities at JCC.
Each semester core selected course sections such as English, ITE, Natural Science and Math will have a "teacher education focus". Students may choose to enroll in these courses. Check with the JCC Education Coordinator or Student Development for these course offerings.
Some students may desire to obtain an Associates degree from JCC, although this is not a requirement for admission into a 4-year program. To graduate with a General Education Associate in Arts degree from JCC you must complete the college requirements. See the catalog for degree requirements.
Additional Teacher Education Courses Offered at JCC
- ART 131 - Art Education - 3 credits
- CIS 101 - Introduction to Computer Systems - 3 credits
- EDU 290 - Instructional Skills Workshop - 2 credits
- EMS 110 - CPR and First Aid - 2 credits
- ENG 080 - College Reading - 4 credits
- ENG 085 - College Reading - 4 credits
- ENG 131 - Writing Experience - 3 credits
- ENG 132 - Writing Experience - 3 credits
- ENG 254 - Children's Literature - 3 credits
- MTH 111 - Foundations in Math I - 3 credits
- MTH 211 - Math II - 3credits
- MUS 133 - Music Education - 3 credits
See respective areas for course descriptions (always check your transfer institution for transferability)
EDU 100 Pre-teaching Pathway
3 credits
A career track introduction to the teaching profession designed for students with basic skill levels in reading, writing, and math/science. Experiences in the course will include an introduction to: professional portfolio, teaching professionalism, and technology. Students will begin the professional career path with pre-K to 12 field experiences, professional pathway planning, as well as investigate opportunities in the field of teacher education.
EDU 221 Exploring Teaching
3 credits
"What are the things prospective teachers beginning their formal study of teacher education should know?" Students will gain knowledge of the role of a professional teacher and education topics: schools, diverse students and their needs, historical and current education issues and trends, as well as philosophical and legal foundations in American education. Students will explore and experience key concepts and skills through reading, research, presentation of a lesson, professional portfolio development including a teaching philosophy, technology and education site based documented field experiences. Minimum of 16 hours field experience is included.
