Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education A.A.T. Degree (305)

This program of study meets all the General Education Requirements at Chesapeake College.

Award: Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree

Program Mission: The Chesapeake College Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education A.A.T. Degree facilitates transfer to a Maryland four-year institution for students to complete a course of study to become elementary school or special education teachers. This program provides the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree and teacher certification program. To earn the A.A.T. Degree, students must meet all program requirements, including course content and outcomes; earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses; earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.75; and complete a professional ePortfolio.  Passing scores on the Praxis Core Exam is required for students who maintain a 2.75-2.99 GPA, but is waived for any student with a 3.0 GPA or higher, or state-approved ACT/SAT scores. 

Program Description: The Associate of Arts in Teaching degree program is designed for teacher education transfer students. The program is based on specific learning outcomes and is comprised of foundation-level pedagogical coursework, field experience, and general education which meet academic content, outcomes, and requirements of the first two years in a teacher education program. The program provides students with seamless transfer into a teacher education program at any Maryland college or university. Students should acquaint themselves with the requirements of the major department at the receiving institution and consult with an academic advisor in planning an appropriate program. The College’s transfer advisor can provide additional information regarding the transfer requirements of institutions within the University of Maryland System.

Program Goals: The Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education A.A.T. Degree will:

• Provide a core of professional course work, field experience, and general education appropriate for the first two years of teacher preparation in elementary education.
• Facilitate proficiency in content knowledge and skills for the College’s general education competencies.
• Prepare students to transfer to an elementary education or elementary special education program at a four-year institution in the State of Maryland.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Distinguish the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive states of development from infancy through adolescence of developing children, children with disabilities, and children who are culturally and linguistically diverse.
• Interpret significant historical events, issues, research, trends, and emerging developments in elementary education and the implications they have for practice in elementary and adolescent instructional programs.
• Construct learning opportunities that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation using the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to development of adolescents.
• Integrate systematic and effective observation, documentation, and assessment strategies in observing and working with children.
• Determine how elementary children develop and learn to read, write, speak, and listen effectively.
• Articulate the historical, philosophical, and legal bases of services for school students with special needs or disabilities and identify community resources available to the students and families. Apply knowledge of cultural and linguistic diversity and the significance of socio-cultural and political contexts for student development and learning.
• Create meaningful, challenging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences and environment for elementary children that demonstrate a basic understanding of the concepts, inquiry tools, and content areas.
• Analyze and reflect on experiences with children in learning environments to improve instruction and to assess appropriateness and effectiveness of models for classroom and behavior management.
• Integrate prior knowledge/experience and new learning through effective use of written, verbal, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrate skills, dispositions, and attitudes of professional and ethical behavior.
• Interpret and evaluate the holistic nature of human knowledge from a variety of cultures and historical periods.

For additional educational opportunities related to this field, see the College’s Teacher Aide Certificate or the Bachelor’s in Elementary Education cohort program at the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center by Salisbury University.  For more information, contact the Executive Director for the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center at: 410-827-5761.

For More Information, Contact:
Dr. Deanna Reinard, Education Department
Chesapeake College
P.O. Box 8, Wye Mills, MD 21679
410-822-5400, ext. 2313