Program description
Century College offers you an exciting opportunity to become a professional educator.
Our Education Program provides both the foundation for upper division coursework for those planning to become a teacher, as well as opportunities to earn either a certificate or a two-year degree in paraeducation.
At Century, you will develop a professional portfolio and work at a public school during your first year. Many colleges and universities, which have already approved our education curriculum and practical classroom experience, have entered into articulation agreements. This allows you to enroll directly into teaching programs in various majors.
In addition, you can now complete a four-year teaching degree without having to leave the Century College campus. Articulation agreements are currently in place to offer you a bachelor’s degree in a variety of professional education teaching areas.
In a recent study by the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs, faculty at four-year institutions reported that education transfer students "are often better prepared than those who started as freshmen, in part because their community college preparation gave them direct pre-service experience."
Courses provide hands-on experience to help you gain the strategies and skills that will prepare you for the world of professional education. In addition to enjoying small class sizes, you will have the opportunity to form professional relationships with Century faculty and staff, who are also K-12 licensed teachers and administrators. They can also serve as mentors -- helping to guide you toward career success in K-12 education.
Program points of pride
The Century College professional education portfolio is a model program for other colleges and universities. Faculty are frequent presenters at the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities Institutional eFolio Software Trainings. (Century College developed the Portfolio Tutorial for the state eFolio website).
All education courses are interdisciplinary and offer you the opportunity to be placed in a classroom during your first semester. Century College is also the sponsor of three public charter schools, which provide a direct link to K-12 teachers.
Student points of pride
One of the first two students to graduate from the Education Program at Century College won the Distinguished Student Award. When she came to this country from Laos, she could not speak English, and she was the mother of four children. Today, she is continuing her education at Metro State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She has inspired other students to work hard, be with children in classrooms as much as possible, and continue to earn college degrees.
Articulation agreements
Occupational programs
- Education Associate in Science Degree
- Century College has articulation agreements are in place to allow a smooth transition into teacher education programs at several colleges and universities.
- For example, if you wish to teach in the area of special education, Minnesota State University-Moorhead and Century College offer a "2 + 2" program that will allow you to remain at the Century College campus while completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from MSUM.
- Paraeducation Certificate or Paraeducator Associate in Applied Science Degree
- If you are thinking about becoming a professional paraeducator, the demand remains high as school districts comply with No Child Left Behind requirements.
- In the November 19, 2006 Pioneer Press, Saint Paul Public Schools reported that "educational assistants [paraeducators] make an average of $42,600, including benefits. Teaching assistants make a little more than half that amount.
Transfer curriculum
General Education/MnTC Requirements: 40 credits
If you intend to transfer into a four-year teacher education program, you should complete the Minnesota General Education Transfer Curriculum. Be advised that schools of education often have very strict general education requirements. You should meet early and often with a counselor to insure you are taking the appropriate courses.
Occupational trends
Occupational Certificate: Paraeducation
Your career opportunities with the Paraeducation Occupational Certificate include placements in:
- Public school systems as teacher aids or paraprofessionals
- Special education programs
- Child care/development centers
- Before and after school programs
- Recreational and parent-child programs
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Paraeducation
The career opportunities with a Paraeducator AAS Degree include placements in:
- Public school systems as education assistants
- Special education programs
- Before and after school programs
- Recreational and parent-child programs
- Director positions
- Career ladder step to becoming a teacher
Associate in Science Degree: Education
Education career opportunities with the Education AS Degree include placements in:
- Public school systems as education assistants
- Special education programs
- Before and after school programs
- Recreational and parent-child programs
- Director positions
- Career ladder step to becoming a teacher
- Career ladder step to becoming a curriculum coordinator
Flexible learning options
All classes in the Education Program at Century College are offered as online or blended classes (web enhanced) to accommodate your needs whether you are a traditional, non-traditional, or out-state student in the program. Evening classes are also available to you, as well as summer offerings in both core and elective subjects.
Summer Schedule June 11, 2007 – July 19, 2007
All summer classes are web-enhanced to allow students the opportunity to work online and also meet regularly with the other students in a classroom setting.