Elementary Education Teacher Preparation, AA

 Program Description

The Associate of Arts, Elementary Education Teacher Preparation is designed for students seeking careers in elementary education. The degree requirements include a well-balanced general education curriculum. The specific curriculum provides students with educational theory and practical field work in the elementary education school setting. This course of study is designated as a university transfer program that fully meets the requirements for the first two years of Elementary Education and Special Education majors at Nevada State University and substantially meets the requirements for the first two years of study for the Elementary Education majors at UNR. 

For transfer into UNR, elementary education has emphases embedded into three areas of focus: Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or English Language Acquisition and Development, and students should choose emphasis courses that meet the requirements for their program of choice. 

For transfer to NSU students should choose emphasis requirements that are a part of the two plus two transfer agreement between TMCC and NSU for either Elementary Education or Special Education.

All students should work with an academic advisor to ensure they are choosing the appropriate emphasis requirements for the school they plan to transfer to. Please note: any concerns or questions regarding upper division requirements when entering a teaching certification program need to be addressed by advisors at the university of interest.

Elementary Education Career Map

Recommended Course Schedule 

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See approved General Education list for the AA/AS Degree. 

Program Requirements

Associate of Arts degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.  

To earn an AA degree, students must:

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AA.
4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.

¹

If you place into ENG 102 or ENG 114 the additional 3 required units will become elective units.

²

GEOG 106 is recommended for those attending UNR.  GEOG 106 can only count as a Social Science general education course OR as an emphasis elective.  It cannot be used for both.

³

Course also counts toward degree requirements.

⁴

Students should choose specific emphasis courses based on requirements of transfer agreements for the school of choice. Please consult with Academic Advising. 

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 This course is a requirement at Nevada State University (NSU).

Program Outcomes

Students completing this degree will:

PSLO1: Demonstrate the scope of knowledge and skills based on the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) standards:

Standard #1: Learner Development

The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Standard #2: Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

Standard #3: Learning Environments

The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Standard #4: Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

Standard #5: Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Standard #6: Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.

Standard #7: Planning for Instruction

The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

Standard #8: Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Transfer Agreements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. General information about general transfer agreements can be found on the Academic Advisement website. Students who intend to transfer to another college or university should speak with a TMCC Academic Advisor and consult with that institution. The transfer institution determines how TMCC courses will transfer. TMCC has agreements with the following institutions towards a bachelor's degree in the same or similar discipline.

• Nevada State College
• University of Nevada, Reno