Overview
The program uses an active learning approach that emphasizes higher-order thinking, communication, leadership, and management skills to study education and related careers. Students explore teaching through field experiences in local elementary schools, where they are monitored and evaluated throughout both years of the program. During these experiences, students gain valuable practice in planning, writing, and delivering developmentally appropriate lesson plans; evaluating and selecting quality children’s literature; conducting classroom observations; applying academic standards; and investigating licensing requirements for careers in education. Over the course of the program, students also build a professional portfolio that documents their growth, skills, and experiences, preparing them for future opportunities in the field of education.
You Will Learn:
- To identify learning styles
- To use strategies to address learning styles
- How to plan, write, & teach lessons
- How teachers & other professionals work together in local schools
Early College:
- Students can earn a Ivy Tech Technical Certificate (TC) in Elementary Education.
- Students must complete 18 credit hours of academic dual credit at their high schools to earn the TC.
- Students must successfully complete all technical dual credit courses over two years at WCC.
- The TC is the first-level postsecondary credential students can earn in Education at Ivy Tech.
A Typical Student
The typical student is a solid academic student that wants a career in the education field. Career goals include elementary and special education teachers, preschool education teachers, instructional aides, counselors, social workers, and school administrators. Students create and present lesson plans in the classrooms and must be comfortable working independently with students and teachers. Most students continue their education at the postsecondary level to become teachers.
