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

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.  

To earn an AA/AS 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/AS.
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.

1. The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and the structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.
2. The teacher understands how children learn and develop, and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development.
3. The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
4. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
5. The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation.
6. The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
7. The teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, the community, and curriculum goals.
8. The teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.
9. The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.
10. The teacher fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students' learning and well-being.

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