Teacher Education

Cuyahoga Community College offers several opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in the field of Education. The courses offered within each program will vary depending upon the college and career path of each student. To be a lead educator in any public school setting – a 4-year degree with licensure is required by The Ohio Department of Education. However, Tri-C is where futures begin and many choose an Associate’s Degree at Tri-C first and then transfer to the 4 year school of their choice.

Choose your path:

Early Childhood Education (Ages 0 - 5 years)

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education prepares students to teach young children in a variety of inclusive childhood settings, including preschools pre-kindergarten, Head Start, childcare centers and infant/toddler programs. Qualified students who complete this program can earn the Ohio Pre-Kindergarten Associate Licensure (certain requirements must be met). 

Learn more about the AAS in Early Childhood Education.

Early Childhood Education (Pre-K through 5th grade)

This course work would begin the path to teach in a public school system from Pre-Kindergarten levels through Fifth grade, upon transfer to an appropriate four year college and successful completion.  Coursework to teach at this level would focus on the developmental age group of early childhood, including early literacy, the importance of pre-math skills, incorporating science and music, reading, mathematics, social studies. 

At Tri-C students would complete an Associate of Arts degree made up of foundational coursework, including general education coursework, and introductory education classes to prepare for transfer to a four year baccalaureate program. The Associate of Arts degree is a flexible degree designed to allow students to select coursework based on the planned four-year program of transfer and study. Students should meet with an academic counselor to create the best path for their individual college and career goals. 

Adolescence to Young Adults (AYA)

This path would qualify students to teach in a public school system from 6th to 12th grade. Coursework to teach at this level would focus on instruction for middle school and high school age students. To prepare for teaching at this level, students would select at least one specialty areas.(i.e. English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science). Students may also want to consider the dual-licensure tack at the four year institution for the evolving co-teaching classroom. 

At Tri-C students would complete an Associate of Arts degree made up of foundational coursework, including general education coursework, and introductory education classes to prepare for transfer to a four year baccalaureate program. The Associate of Arts degree is a flexible degree designed to allow students to select coursework based on the planned four-year program of study. Students should meet with an academic counselor to create the best path for their individual college and career goals.