No. of Credits: 61
Contact: P. Allen, Chair, Social Sciences, Human Services, and Teacher Education Division; E. Settle, Program Coordinator
This curriculum prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university within the state of Maryland to pursue a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. The program incorporates basic state requirements appropriate to the first two years of preparation.
Students may be recent high school graduates, interested in teaching careers, or returning adult students who may have some college credits applicable to the curriculum and needing to complete the basic foundation requirements. The program may appeal to teacher’s aides who desire to upgrade status to certified teacher. Retired persons seeking a second career might also find this program attractive.
Students in secondary education in the associate of arts program are required to complete a practicum during the last half of their pursuit of the curriculum. This will require field experience in local public schools. This field work will be guided by the faculty of the public school to which the student is assigned and supervised by a faculty member of the college. There will be a contract negotiated with the public school regarding outcomes of the practicum. The practicum must be performed at times when public schools are in session. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the elective credits in the content area in which they intend to certify. Maryland SCED certification areas are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Space Science, English, Modern Foreign Languauge, Social Studies, Mathmatics, Physical Science, and Physics. PK-12 areas: Art, Dance, Environmental Education, Health, Music, Physical Education. Passage of Praxis I is also recommended.
The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions to this program is 45.
**** Maryland has approved middle school certification. Students who are interested in teaching in this grade level should follow the AAT Elementary: Generic Special Education Grades 1-6 program.
Career Opportunities:
transfer into a content major for Secondary Teacher Education certification