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Liberal Arts / Education

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Special Education

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Liberal Arts / Education

The Liberal Arts/Education degree is designed to allow students to transfer to a four-year college to become teachers. The program allows students to experience elementary, middle, and high school education, and has a common first year of coursework. In the second year, students choose courses in any one of the following areas: math, science, social science, English, foreign languages, elementary education, and special education. Completion of these courses demonstrates the content expertise required to become eligible for certification once the bachelor degree is completed. Elective courses are selected in consultation with the student’s advisor. This degree is eligible to transfer to four-year institutions with teacher preparation or liberal arts degrees. It also meets the requirements for paraprofessionals seeking an associate degree to fulfill national and state requirements.

Program Mission

The mission of the Liberal Arts/Education Program is to provide students with the foundation to become effective educators. Students will gain a firm understanding of schools and their functions, the teaching process, effective techniques, and the art of reflection in order to meet the needs of all children. Students will be able to experience elementary, middle, and high school levels. The program is aligned with national standards and four-year colleges with education degrees.

Program Goal/Objectives

Graduating students will:

• Develop an appreciation for the act of reflective practice and recognize the impact of ongoing reflection in order to become an effective educator.
• Be exposed to elementary, middle, and secondary school systems while developing an understanding of the importance of meeting the individual needs of all children.
• Acquire an understanding of various educational theories and their application to the real-world classroom.
• Be exposed to a variety of teaching techniques used in today’s classrooms to meet the individual needs of all children.

Admission Requirements

Students interested in applying for the Liberal Arts/Education program are required to attend an informational session before acceptance into the program.

Transfer Policy

In addition to MCC transfer credit policies, appropriate education courses will be accepted if taken within a five-year period. Exceptions to this policy, based on professional experience, may be granted at the discretion of the Department Chair. Proper documentation will be required to initiate this process.

Technical Standards

• Individuals expecting to pursue their teacher certification and/or seek employment in the educational system are required to undergo criminal backgrounds checks and fingerprinting.
• Students who expect to transfer to a four-year degree program must take the Praxis I exam for admission to the college and pass the test for approval for student teaching.
• Students seeking employment as a “highly qualified” paraprofessional or teacher assistant must pass the Praxis I exam. MCC has an online tutoring program to prepare students for the Praxis I.
• Students seeking a career in education should be physically and mentally fit to withstand a physically active work environment and the stress of ever-changing circumstances, and have the ability to respond quickly and appropriately when events require.

Students are also expected to have the maturity to accept direction and guidance, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with teachers, fellow students, children and their families.

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Liberal Arts / Education Degree Program

Total Credits - 68

* Open Electives Any course that the college offers with a course number of at least 100. ESL courses are not considered open electives and cannot be counted toward graduation requirements.

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School Age Special Education Certificate

May be earned independently or as part of the education degree, and includes three courses that fulfill the requirements of the Education Focus Transfer electives. Students completing the certificate may be eligible for employment as paraprofessionals for children with special needs.

Total Credits - 24

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