Teaching Assistant

Program Overview

Genesee Community College's Teaching Assistant program equips students with the knowledge and skills to work effectively as paraprofessionals in education. The program offers three areas of concentration: Generalist, Developmental Disabilities, and Learning Strategies and Technologies. Graduates are prepared for careers as teaching assistants, special education assistants, instructional aides, and educational support staff. The program features affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and experienced faculty.

Program Outline

Teaching Assistant Degree Program - Genesee Community College

Degree Overview:

This program provides a solid foundation in both the Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as the educational functions of Teaching Assistants.

• Generalist: This track prepares students for a wide range of teaching assistant roles in various educational settings.
• Developmental Disabilities: This specialization focuses on assisting students with developmental disabilities in mainstream classrooms.
• Learning Strategies and Technologies: This track emphasizes the use of technology and various learning strategies to support student success.

By completing the first 18 credit hours, students can meet the requirements for two state certificates:

• The New York State Level II or III Teaching Assistant certificate
• The New York State Pre-Professional Teaching certificate

Outline:

The Teaching Assistant program consists of 60 credit hours, divided into three parts:

• General Education: 30 credits of courses in various subjects like English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
• Professional Education: 24 credits of courses specifically related to the role of a teaching assistant, including:
• Introduction to Teaching
• Child Growth and Development
• Classroom Management
• Working with Diverse Learners
• Instructional Technology
• Special Education
• Practicum in a School Setting
• Area of Concentration: 6 credits of courses focused on the chosen area of specialization: Generalist, Developmental Disabilities, or Learning Strategies and Technologies.

Assessment:

• Coursework: Regular assignments, projects, and examinations are used to assess students' understanding of the course material.
• Practicum: During the field placement, students are evaluated by their supervising teacher and college instructor on their ability to apply their learning in a real-world classroom setting.
• Portfolio: Students compile a portfolio showcasing their accomplishments and reflections throughout the program.

Teaching:

• Lectures: Faculty members deliver informative lectures and facilitate discussions on various topics related to education.
• Small Group Activities: Students engage in collaborative learning through group projects, discussions, and problem-solving exercises.
• Technology Integration: The program incorporates technology through online learning platforms, multimedia presentations, and interactive activities.
• Field Experiences: Students gain hands-on experience by observing and assisting teachers in actual classroom settings.

Careers:

• Teaching Assistants: Work under the supervision of a certified teacher to provide individual and small group support to students, assist with classroom management, and facilitate learning activities.
• Special Education Assistants: Assist students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms, providing individualized support and implementing specialized teaching strategies.
• Instructional Aides: Work with teachers in various educational settings, including libraries, computer labs, and resource rooms, to assist with instruction and student activities.
• Educational Support Staff: Provide administrative and operational support to schools and educational organizations in various roles, such as clerical assistants, library assistants, and technology specialists.

Other:

The Teaching Assistant program offers several unique benefits to students:

• Affordable tuition: GCC offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state of New York.
• Flexible scheduling: Courses are available during the day, evening, and online to accommodate various student schedules.
• Small class sizes: Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from instructors and ample opportunities for interaction and feedback.
• Experienced faculty: The program is taught by experienced and dedicated faculty members who are passionate about education and committed to student success.
• Career support: The college provides career services to assist students with resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.