Elementary Education, A.A.

The AA in Elementary Education provides students with essential knowledge and skills for teaching in elementary and secondary schools. The program emphasizes curriculum development and instructional strategies designed to support bilingual students, students of color, and exceptional learners. Students acquire hands-on classroom experience through observations and practicum opportunities in either elementary or secondary settings. Graduates are ready to transfer to four-year institutions to further their education with a bachelor’s degree.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1

EDU-103 Introduction & Foundations of Education Credits: 3 *
EDU-110 Introduction to Curriculum Development and Instruction Credits: 3 *
PSY-101 Principles of Psychology Credits: 3 *
ENG-111 College Writing I Credits: 3
GenEd -QPS Quantitative Problem Solving Credits: 3-4

Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 1 Advising Note

Employment in the field of Education may require a criminal background check. Students concerned about this requirement should contact the department chair. Use the link https://www.bhcc.edu/internships/coriandsorichecks/ to obtain more information about the Criminal Offender Record application.

Semester 2

PSY-224 Adolescent & Adult Development Credits: 3
EDU-203 Literacy in the Content Area Credits: 3 *
EDU-205 Teaching Mathematics in Grades K-8 Credits: 3 *
LIT-217 Children’s Literature I Credits: 3
ENG-112 College Writing II Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Semester 3

EDU-204 Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition Credits: 3 *
ENV-105 Environmental Science/Lab Credits: 4
PSY-107 Group Dynamics Credits: 3
GenEd -E General Education Elective Credits: 3

Choose a course from the General Education Creative Work Menu

ECE-208 Exceptional Lrnrs:Intro to Special Educ Credits: 3 *

Total Credits: 16

Semester 4

MAT-172 Contemporary Math I Credits: 3
EDU-220 Practicum in Instruction Credits: 3 *
HIS-111 History of Pre-Modern World Credits: 3
LIT-242 LGBTQ Literature Credits: 3
or
LIT-250 Black Women in Literature Credits: 3
or
LIT-221 Latin American Literature Credits: 3
or
LIT-227 African American Literature Credits: 3
or
LIT-230 Asian American Literature Credits: 3
BIO-105 Introduction to Biology Credits: 4
or
BIO-108 Human Biology/Lab Credits: 4

Total Credits: 16

Semester 4 Advising Note

This program is intended for individuals interested in becoming public school educators in grades K-8. Becoming an elementary school teacher requires at least a Bachelor’s Degree (and in many cases a Master’s degree). Students will need to transfer to a four-year college after completing their Associate Degree in order to continue their education toward becoming a teacher.
Students interested in becoming public high school teachers should earn a degree in the subject they would like to teach (for example, Studio Art, Math, English) and select Education courses as electives.
Students interested in becoming early childhood teachers in pre-schools or day care centers should pursue the Early Childhood Development, A.S.
Students interested in becoming paraeducators in the public schools should pursue either the Paraeducator Certificate or the A.A. in Elementary Education.

Career Outlook

Educators can pursue various career paths, ranging from classroom teaching to becoming district superintendents. Due to the nationwide teacher shortage, job opportunities for new graduates are highly favorable. It is anticipated that 90-100% of this year’s graduating teachers will find employment. Furthermore, school districts are offering incentives for teachers of color, bilingual educators, and those in STEM fields. In Massachusetts, a new history curriculum has been launched in anticipation of an upcoming history exam, leading to a demand for history majors.

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:

The student will demonstrate independent and creative academic skills that can be applied in the classroom, school community, and the profession.
The student will gain an understanding of the evolving role of educators in a diverse society and will be able to apply this knowledge within the classroom, school community, and their professional life.
The student will cultivate a global viewpoint on contemporary educational issues and apply this understanding within the classroom, school community, and professional life.
Students will understand the most effective teaching strategies and be able to merge content and pedagogical knowledge in the classroom to develop learning opportunities for all students.
The student will be equipped with the skills to incorporate technological tools into the curriculum, assessment, and instruction. This practical knowledge will enable them to improve and support learning for K-12 students in the modern classroom.
Students will acquire the ability to become introspective practitioners, exhibiting trust, integrity, personal growth, and transformation as they evolve into advocates for social justice within the educational community.
Students will enroll in foundational courses that enable a successful transition into a four-year education program.

Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information Checks

Bunker Hill Community College requires criminal background checks on all students who will be working with children, the disabled, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations, participating in a cooperative education experience, or enrolled in a program that includes a clinical and field affiliation with a private or public healthcare provider.

Use the link https://www.bhcc.edu/internships/coriandsorichecks/ to obtain more information about the Criminal Offender Record application and the College’s policy on Sexual Offender Record Information (SORI).