Program Overview
Northampton Community College's Associate of Arts in Secondary Education program prepares students for a career in teaching grades 7-12. The two-year program provides a foundation in education theory, teaching methods, and field experience, allowing students to explore the profession and pursue further education or enter the workforce in tutoring or private teaching roles. The program emphasizes creating effective and compassionate classrooms and empowering students to inspire positive change in their students.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Secondary Education degree at Northampton Community College is a two-year program that allows students to explore the teaching profession and discern whether to pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution or use their skills to work in tutoring and private teaching roles. The program provides students with the opportunity to gain firsthand understanding of classrooms, students, and teaching through field experience. Students can study on the Bethlehem or Pocono campus and take advantage of online options for most courses.
Objectives:
- Inspire positive changes in grade 7–12 students as a dedicated, compassionate, and effective teacher.
- Provide students with the academic experience and financial stability to transfer to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor's degree and teaching licensure.
- Empower students to create effective, compassionate classrooms, and equip them to complete a teacher certification program in a specific subject for middle and high school education.
Outline:
The Secondary Education Associate Degree program at Northampton Community College consists of 62-69 credits and can be completed in four semesters. The program curriculum includes courses in:
- Foundations of Education
- Educational Psychology
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Teaching Methods
- Curriculum and Assessment
- Field Experience
- Content-specific courses in the student's chosen teaching field
Assessment:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Projects
- Presentations
- Fieldwork observations
- Reflective essays
Teaching:
The program is taught by experienced faculty who are dedicated to helping students succeed. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Simulations
- Hands-on activities
- Fieldwork experiences The program also offers unique approaches to teaching, such as:
- Small class sizes
- Individualized instruction
- Field experience opportunities
- Opportunities to work with students from diverse backgrounds
Careers:
Graduates of the Secondary Education Associate Degree program are prepared to pursue a variety of careers in education, including:
- High School Teacher (Grades 9-12)
- Middle School Teacher (Grades 7-8)
- Teaching-related roles in other sectors
