Teacher Education, AA

Department of Multicultural Early Childhood and Childhood Education

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Program Overview

Teacher Education, AA

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Teacher Education is your first big step toward becoming a classroom leader! This two-year program helps you build a strong foundation in both the subjects you will teach and the skills you need to help children learn. You will earn 60 credits while exploring everything from children’s literature to the science of how kids grow. Along the way, you’ll get real “field experience,” which means you’ll get to step inside actual classrooms to see how professional teachers work their magic.

Major

Description

Do you remember the teacher who changed your life? In this program, you learn how to be that person for someone else. We combine classic college subjects like English, History, and Math with specialized classes just for future educators. You will learn how to use technology in the classroom, how to support students with special needs, and how to create healthy, safe environments for learning. It’s a hands-on, supportive program designed to prepare you for a 4-year degree and a rewarding career in the classroom.

Program and Degree

Requirements

The A.A. in Teacher Education requires a total of at least 60 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall. Key requirements are broken down into three main sections: Degree Requirements, General Education Requirements, and Major Requirements.

1. A.A. Degree Requirements

  • Total Credits: Earn at least 60 credits.
  • Residency: Earn at least 30 credits in Residence at Medgar Evers College.
  • GPA: Earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.0.
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences: Earn at least 30 credits of Liberal Arts and Sciences Content Courses.

2. General Education Requirements (CUNY Common Core & College Option)

These requirements cover the foundation of a liberal arts education.

  • Required Core (12 Credits):
    • English Composition: ENGL 112 and ENGL 150.
    • Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning: 1 course (e.g., MTH 115, MTH 136, or a STEM variant like MTH 141 (Finite Math), which is required for the BS/Business program).
    • Life and Physical Sciences: 1 course (e.g., BIO 101 or PHS 101).
  • Flexible Core (18 Credits – 6 Courses): Complete one course in each of the five areas, plus an additional Flexible Core course in any area.
    • World Cultures and Global Issues (e.g., ANTH 201).
    • U.S. Experience in its Diversity (e.g., HIST 200).
    • Creative Expressions (e.g., ART 100).
    • Individual and Society (e.g., ECON 212 or ECON 213).
    • Scientific World (e.g., CIS 101).
  • One Flexible Core Course (Any Area)

3. Major Requirements

The major requires a minimum GPA of 2.0.

  • Required Core Courses (17 Courses):
    • Education: EDUC 102, EDUC 501, EDUC 110, EDUC 152, EDUC 502, EDUC 231, EDUC 503, EDUC 350, EDUC 504, EDUC 355
    • Liberal Arts: ENGL 209, FS 101, FS 102, MTH 231, PSYC 101, GEOG 101, HIST 201.

Degree Map

A Degree Map (or Academic Pathway/Plan) is an advising tool that outlines a suggested sequence of courses to complete the A.A. in Teacher Education degree in a timely and efficient manner, often over two years (four semesters).

4-Year Degree Map