Education
The first two years of preparation for a career as an early childhood, elementary, middle school, or secondary teacher can be accomplished at Northwest College. The Education Department offers courses which teach the basic principles and theories of teaching and learning. Through the cooperation of public
school personnel, our students observe and gain practical experience in public school classrooms throughout the Big Horn Basin.
Academic advisors guide students in their career choices as well as advise them on course selection and transfer options.
Since teaching requires state certification, it is important that students consult with their advisors frequently to become informed of program requirements at four-year colleges. The catalog of the four-year transfer college must be consulted by the student when selecting courses.
Education – Secondary
This program allows students to prepare for a career as an educator, teaching classes from the seventh through 12th grades. Since teachers must obtain state certification after graduation with the bachelor’s degree, it is important for those specializing in education to work closely with their advisors. Planning for transfer to a university involves selecting general education courses which will meet education program requirements and state certification regulations. Students must successfully complete core courses with a “C-” or better to meet program requirements. Students planning to transfer to a four-year program will need to have additional hours beyond the program requirements at Northwest College in order to transfer in as a junior. Students should consult with their advisor and the appropriate four-year college catalog.
To become certified, all those interested in specializing in Secondary Education must complete coursework in their teaching area, i.e., the subjects they plan to teach. At Northwest College, these
students are assigned an advisor in their teaching area who will assist them in selecting appropriate courses. Consult a catalog from the transfer college, as well as your advisor, when selecting courses. Most universities require students to complete 15 to 30 credit hours in their teaching area, in addition to the education program, in order to be admitted as juniors to secondary education programs. At Northwest College, students may complete teaching area courses in the following subjects: agriculture, art, biology, business, chemistry, English, English/communications, English/journalism, history, mathematics, modern languages- French, modern languages-Spanish, music, physical education, science, and social studies.
Those in Secondary Education are, in fact, specializing in two areas. In order to transfer to a four-year college as a junior, students must complete both the education program and extensive coursework in the subjects they plan to teach. Consult your advisor every semester.
General Education Requirements
Students should refer to the Graduation Requirements .
Total General Education Requirements: 26-28 Credits
Core and Elective courses taken as part of completion of a degree program may also be used to meet General Education requirements where applicable. Please note that use of these courses to meet General Education requirements may reduce the number of hours required to complete a degree, however that number cannot be reduced below the institutional minimum of 60 credits.
Total Core Courses: 21 Credits
Transfer and General Electives
Transfer and General Electives selected in consultation with advisor.
Total Transfer and General Electives: 13-15 Credits
Minimum Credits for Degree = 60
Art Education
For secondary education, to facilitate transfer to a four-year college as a junior, students planning to become middle school or high school art teachers are encouraged to complete programs in both Secondary Education and in Art. Consult your advisor every semester when selecting courses.
Biology Education
For secondary education, to facilitate transfer to a four-year college as a junior, students planning to become middle school or high school biology teachers are encouraged to complete programs in both Secondary Education and Biology. Consult your advisor every semester when selecting courses.
Chemistry Education
For secondary education, to facilitate transfer to a four-year college as a junior, students planning to become middle school or high school teachers in chemistry are encouraged to complete programs in both Secondary Education and in Chemistry. Consult your advisor every semester when selecting courses.
English Education
Students who plan to teach at the secondary level should complete coursework both in the Secondary Education Program and in English. Many options exist for teaching English, English/communication, or English/journalism, and students need to work closely with their Northwest advisors to monitor the
requirements of transfer institutions.
For those interested in exploring teaching possibilities, opportunities exist at Northwest for peer tutoring experiences.
History/Social Science Education
For secondary education, to facilitate transfer to a four-year college as a junior, students planning to become middle school or high school history/social studies teachers are encouraged to complete programs in both Secondary Education and in History. Consult your advisor every semester when selecting courses.
Mathematics Education
To facilitate transfer to a four-year college, students planning to become middle school or high school mathematics teachers are encouraged to complete both the Secondary Education program and the Mathematics program. Consult your advisor every semester when selecting courses.
Modern Language Education
Students who plan to teach at the secondary level should complete coursework both in the Secondary Education program and in their primary language (Spanish). Students need to work closely with their Northwest advisors to monitor the requirements of transfer institutions. Language majors have found it helpful to initiate study of a second foreign language during their first two years of college work. Northwest’s course offerings and scheduling support such an option.
Music Education
For secondary education, to facilitate transfer to a four-year college as a junior, students planning to become middle school or high school music teachers are encouraged to complete programs in both Secondary Education and in Music. Consult your advisor every semester when selecting courses.
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