Why Wait Six Years to Teach? Get an Associates Degree in Teaching
the demand for preschool teachers is increasing. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth by grace level in teacher demand between 2016 and 2026 was 7% for kindergarten and elementary teachers, 8% for middle school teachers, and 8% for high school teachers.
Table of contents
- Why Wait Six Years to Teach? Get an Associates Degree in Teaching
- The Basics About Being a Preschool Teacher
- Quick Facts:
- Preschool Job-Related Titles
- Main Teaching Responsibilities
- Best Online Associate in Education Degree Programs
- Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- State Fair Community College
- Hagerstown Community College
- Granite State College
- The Top 25 on-Campus Associate in Teaching Degree Programs in the U.S.
All of those professions require a bachelor’s degree and often master’s degree. The greatest level of growth, however, was for preschool teachers (10%). The good news, its those positions generally only require a two-year degree.
That means your can get your feet wet in the field of education and make a good living in two years or less out of high school!
The Basics About Being a Preschool Teacher
Quick Facts:
- Typical education required – Associates Degree in Teaching
- Required work experience – none
- Number of Jobs, 2019 – 540,400
- Median Pay (2019) – $14.67 per hour, $30,520 per year
Preschool Job-Related Titles
Various titles that also apply are Infant Teacher, Nursery Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Toddler, Child, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Pre-K Teacher), Development Teacher, Group Teacher, Montessori Preschool Teacher, and Teacher.
Main Teaching Responsibilities
An Associated Degree in Teaching equips gradates to train preschoolers in:
- Oral Comprehension — The capability to listen to and comprehend ideas and information presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression — The ability to convey information and ideas so others will understand.
- Speech Clarity — Teaching a child to speak clearly so others can understand what they are trying to communicate.
- Originality — The capacity to come up with unusual or clever concepts about a given situation or topic.
- Problem Sensitivity — Leading a student to know when something is wrong or probably will go wrong. This doesn’t include problem solving.
O*NET OnLine describes a preschool task”
Instruct preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for primary school in preschool, day care center, or other child development facility.
Best Online Associate in Education Degree Programs
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
SAG offers a fully online associate degree in education with an emphasis on instructional technology, along with d the foundations of education through coursework in child development and psychology. Transfer applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.
State Fair Community College
Missouri residents that are older than 65 can enroll free of charge in courses that have not reached maximum capacity. Service members and their dependents are eligible for in-district tuition rates.
Hagerstown Community College
Offers an associate of science in education for students planning to transfer to pursue elementary teaching certification or transfer to a four-year institution. HCC awards credit for prior learning, such as and advanced placement exams and industry certifications.
Granite State College
Granite State has a rolling admission process that is perfect for transfer students. Enrollment includes access to digital libraries, research assistance, and career counseling.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middlesex Community College – MA | Bedford, Massachusetts |
| 2 | Lone Star College System | Woodlands, Texas |
| 3 | Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick, Rhode Island |
| 4 | Urban College of Boston | Boston, Massachusetts |
| 5 | Tarrant County College District | Fort Worth, Texas |
The Top 25 on-Campus Associate in Teaching Degree Programs in the U.S.
Based on data published on the U.S. Department of Education College Scoreboard, along with other criteria, the Top 25 on-Campus Associate in Teaching Degree Programs in the U.S. are:
Middlesex Community College – MA
Middlesex Community College offers an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education that is considered best in the country. MCC’s educational program’s curriculum integrate its commitment to community engagement, personal and social responsibility, and diversity.
Applicants accepted to the teaching program get a background in education theory as well as supervised teaching proficiency through a required practicum component. Graduates from MCC have a solid foundation in student development, observation, and evaluation, along with creating a healthy learning environment for children.
Students who pursue this associate degree must complete 60–61 credit hours. Required coursework includes classes such as Developmental Disabilities, Classics of Children’s Literature, and Sociology of the Family. A number of courses include a service-learning module in which students take part in community-based organizations. Students also have room for some elective courses.
School Overview
Lone Star College System
Lone Star College’s Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) fulfills the core requirements of a four-year bachelor’s program toward Texas teacher certification.
On concluding an Associates Degree in Teaching, students can either enter the workforce for qualifying positions or transfer to a four-year college and complete a bachelor’s degree for teacher certification. All public Texas colleges and universities accept Lone Star College credits.
The two-year degree requires 60 credits of coursework, 32 hours of observation, and a combination of foundation courses and electives. Courses include Public Speaking, United States History, Composition and Rhetoric, and College Algebra.
Required real-world teaching opportunities in accredited school districts, enable students to observe professionals and put into practice their teaching skills. AAT’s seven Texas campuses offer this degree.
School Overview
Community College of Rhode Island
Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, CCRI offers an Associate of Arts Degree in Education, with a concentration in Child Development (CHLD) and Early Childhood Education. Degree recipients can pursue career opportunities in childcare facilities, community-based organizations, and group homes. Graduates are well-prepared for continued study in most of the state’s four-year institutions. CCRI us just a few miles away from Providence, Rhode Island, the home to most of these four-year colleges.
The CHLD degree track includes required courses in Children’s Literature, Composition, General Psychology, and several foreign languages and/or social science electives.
The 61–65 credits degree requires more focused coursework that includes Child Growth and Development Skills, Characteristics and Needs of Special Populations, and a field experience seminar.
Teachers are given opportunity for school or community placement where they can hone their teaching and caregiving and skills. Students may also work with particular populations, such as special needs children with those with other behavioral issues.
School Overview
Urban College of Boston
A combination of practical experience and theory and creates is the foundation for the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education at Urban College of Boston (UCB). Interested students are required to submit a high school transcript or GED and complete a placement exam. Students with proven financial need are eligible for available work-study.
Early childhood specific coursework includes classes such as Guidance, Discipline, Child Growth and Development, Observing, and Recording. The coursework also includes internship and professional seminars. UCB partners with community organizations, including Children’s Services of Roxbury and the YMCA.
School Overview
Tarrant County College District
With five campuses in greater Fort Worth area, the Opportunity Center, and TCC Connect, Tarrant County College District provides many options for an Associates Degree in Teaching.
Tarrant County College offer Associates of Arts Degrees in Teaching: Cornerstone, Teaching: Early Childhood Through Grade 6, Teaching: Grades 4-8 and Early Childhood Through Grade 12 Special Education, along with core curriculum preparation for a four-year degree.
School Overview
Austin Community College District
The Austin Community College District has a total enrollment of 40,799 and offers associated degrees in 31 fields.
Teaching Associated degrees offered both on campus and online include:
- Teacher Education and Professional Development
- Specific Levels and Methods
- Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching
- Secondary Education and Teaching
- Early Childhood Education and Teaching
- Exercise Science/Personal Fitness Trainer
- Health and Kinesiology
- Tech Teach
School Overview
Community College of Vermont
Community College of Vermont offers 12 locations plus its Center for Online Learning to enable students to earn the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Along with an AA degree that enables you to teach preschool and other early childhood programs immediately The Vermont State Colleges System’s (VSCS) Direct Admissions program grantees CCV graduates transfer admission to Northern Vermont University, Castleton University, or Vermont Tech.
School Overview
Leeward Community College
Located in Pearl City, Hawaii, Leeward Community College offers a reasonable out-of-state tuition and an incredible in-state tuition $3,144 for its highly rated Associates Degree in teaching.
Along with AA degrees in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Leeward Community College offers:
- Distance education
- Employment services for students
- Credit for life experiences
- Remedial services
- Academic/career counseling service
- Placement services
- On-campus day care for students’ children
- Library facilities at institution
School Overview
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
One of the factors that place Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in our top 10 best is its student-faculty ratio is 13-to-1. If you are looking top academic ratings with a personal touch, CSTCC deserves your consideration.
The Early Childhood Education program at Cincinnati State provides an associates degree that will make you eligible to apply for the Pre-Kindergarten Associate Teacher License though the Ohio Department of Education on graduation.
School Overview
Cuyahoga Community College District
Located in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District has a total enrollment of 23,440 while maintaining a student-faculty ratio of 16-to-1
Cuyahoga offers several teacher educations paths to choose from that include:
Early Childhood Education (Ages 0 – 5 years), Early Childhood Education (Pre-K through 5th grade), and Adolescence to Young Adults (AYA).
School Overview
Camden County College
Camden County College is located in Blackwood, New Jersey, and had a total student population of 9,675.
Camden offers a path designed for students who plan to move on to a four-year degree. However, its two-year degree program is specifically designed for students who want to move immediately into preschool positions.
The Preschool Teacher Education Applied Associate of Science Degree (PTE.AAS) prepares students to work with young children in a variety of settings including home day care, childcare settings, Head Start programs and private preschools. This program emphasizes the developmental needs of young children from birth to the eighth year of life. Students will learn how to design and apply developmentally appropriate activities for children ages birth to eight years through fundamental course work along with an internship in an early childhood settings.
School Overview
Front Range Community College
With campuses in Boulder County, Larimer, and Westminster, Front Range Community College provides a perfect setting to earn an Associate’s Degree in Teaching in the greater Denver area.
School Overview
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has a total enrollment of 11,505 while protecting its ideal student-faculty ratio of 17-to-1.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s Early Childhood Education Associate Degree combines on campus instruction with hands-on fieldwork to prepare its graduates for a career in the care and education of children (birth to eight years).
School Overview
Community College of Philadelphia
CCP also has a comfortable student-faculty ratio of 15-to-1. Associates teaching tracks offered at CCP are: Education: Early Childhood (Birth to 4th Grade), Education: Middle Level (4th to 8th Grades), Education: Secondary Humanities/Social Studies Education Option, and Education: Secondary Math/Science Option.
One course of studies should be of interest if you are unsure of where to begin your higher education in teaching.
Do you have an interest in working with young children, but don’t know where to start? Our Early Childhood Education proficiency certificate program is a solid choice for students who wish to work with young learners up to five years of age. Through a series of courses with a focus on program planning, you will not only learn to identify key theories of child development, you’ll also design course curriculum with a focus on the integrated arts for children birth through age five. This program will enable students to pursue careers as child care practitioners, assistant group supervisors, or teacher aide paraprofessionals and also meets the Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality Career Lattice Level III. Community College of Philadelphia.
School Overview
Olympic College
Located in Bremerton, Washington and the greater Seattle Area, Olympic is a public college with an enrollment of 4,024 undergraduate students. Majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Engineering Technician, Manufacturing and Drafting and Design (CAD/CADD), and Early Childhood Education .
If you can’t wait to be accepted anywhere else but your want a quality education, Olympic has an acceptance rate is 100%.
School Overview
Delaware Technical and Community College
Delaware Tech is a small public college located in Dover, Delaware and three other campuses in the state. DTCU has an enrollment of 4,629 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 100%.
An Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development provides the skills required to join the early childhood field.
School Overview
Sinclair Community College
Another public college that has a 100% acceptance rate is Sinclair, College located in Dayton, Ohio. According to Sinclair, it’s Early Childhood Education program:
Provides the knowledge, skills and competencies important to an entry-level teacher working with, or planning to work with, young children. The program includes the academic preparation required by the Ohio Department of Education to meet Pre-Kindergarten Associate Teacher Licensure standards.
School Overview
University of Cincinnati
If you prefer a larger campus, the University of Cincinnati has an enrollment of 22,990 undergraduate students. The acceptance rate is 73%.
School Overview
Central Carolina Community College
Located in Sanford, North Carolina, Central Carolina Community College is a small college with an enrollment of 1,753 undergraduate students. Though having an acceptance rate of 100%, this is a school with solid academics and a great graduation rate.
CCCC offers a unique early childhood path that student can begin while still in high school.
School Overview
Palo Alto College
With an acceptance rate of 100%, Palo Alto College is an “above-average public college” located in San Antonio, Texas.
School Overview
Northern Essex Community College
Located in Haverhill, Massachusetts in the greater Boston area, Northern Essex has an enrollment of 1,698 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 100%. Along with a small on-campus experience, you have access too an online community over 15,000.
With a certificate and degree track in Early Childhood Education, NECC places an emphasis on the child as both an individual and part of a family system, this college has a lot to offer.
School Overview
Vance-Granville Community College
If you want a real personal touch, Vance-Granville CC has an enrollment of 927 undergraduate students. Located in Dabney Township, North Carolina, the school places an emphasis on a Early Childhood Development program that is “culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse learning opportunities accessible to all students.”
School Overview
Haywood Community College
Also located in North Carolina, Haywood Community College’s campus is in the Asheville Area. The school has an intimate enrollment of 574 undergraduate students and a 100% acceptance rate.
School Overview
Fox Valley Technical College
Fox Valley is a relatively small technical college (2,157 undergraduate students) that has an acceptance rate of 100% yet an above average educational experience.
School Overview
How We Ranked these Programs
If you have looked at any college rankings lately, they are filled with expensive and exclusive schools. There is no doubt that all are great schools, but they admit less than 10% of applicants.
That is why we looked at the basic factors of academic quality, affordability, accessibility (high acceptance rates), and location as a package.
With all those aspects considered together, Vance-Granville Community College may well have everything and more than you need for a quality educational experience. If you’re a small-town kind of person, and the lower tuition appeals to you, you owe it to yourself to check Vance-Granville Community College out.
Not only did affordability come into play, but we also placed a strong emphasis on accessibility. You don’t want to get a degree where there are no academic standards, but you also know you have to be accepted to get that teaching degree. We included several colleges that offer superior in-state rates and accept at least 75% of all legitimate applications.
