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Education Associate Degree Expands To Include Two Tracks

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is enhancing its Education associate degree by integrating it with the Early Childhood Education program. This creates a comprehensive associate degree offering two distinct pathways: elementary and secondary education.

The 61-credit Associate of Arts degree offers students the flexibility to customize their schedules, facilitating a seamless transition to their next college or university.

The Education A.A. offers an Elementary Education track approved by the Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee (TAOC) of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This special approval enables Penn Highlands students to have a seamless program-to-program transfer with all 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools. Students who transfer using this agreement will be granted junior status upon transfer.

The Elementary Education track focuses on providing aspiring educators with foundational knowledge and skills essential for teaching young children in grades K-6. This two-year program offers a balanced curriculum that includes courses in child development, educational psychology, and curriculum planning. Students are introduced to effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques tailored to younger learners.

The Secondary Education track is the second option offered through the Education associate degree. It focuses on providing an essential foundation for those aspiring to become educators beyond the 6th grade. This track offers a comprehensive introduction to teaching, equipping students with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to inspire and educate future generations. The degree track is a vital stepping stone towards a bachelor’s degree.

“The Education degree greatly benefits students by providing them with a strong foundation of hands-on learning and practical application of skills in a face-to-face environment,” stated Morgan Dugan, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education. “This degree not only prepares them for various levels of teaching, from Pre-K to secondary education, but also ensures a smooth transfer process to four-year institutions, aligning courses with their long-term academic goals.”

Students can also benefit from the full face-to-face setup of the program. Alongside in-person classes, students will participate in 20 hours of in-class observation at schools around the region.

There will also be opportunities to take certain classes within the program online, providing the flexibility to work around nearly any schedule.

“Being there is a teacher shortage in the job market, this program will help allow us to meet the needs of a growing workforce,” stated Erica Reighard, Dean of Faculty.

Click here for more information on the Education associate degree. This program is offered in-person at the College’s Richland Campus and the Ebensburg Center.