Paraprofessional in Education (A.A.S.)

    Purpose

    This program is designed for people working as paraprofessionals in educational settings and for people who desire to work in educational settings in paraprofessional roles. Examples of paraprofessional jobs are library assistant, classroom aide, and special education assistant. The program gives students a broad base of education courses, two courses specific to paraprofessionals and a core of liberal arts courses.

    Program Goals

    A graduate should be able to:

    1. Function effectively as a paraprofessional in an educational setting

    2. Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of critical issues and concerns in educational settings

    3. Be able to work with students, parents, and professionals of diverse cultural, family, and learning backgrounds

    4. Use practical classroom management strategies

    5. Recognize and use good teaching practices when working with students

    6. Understand the laws and politics affecting educational institutions

    Curriculum

    First Semester

    ENG 101

    English Composition I

    3 Credits

    PSY 200, 204, or 206

    Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, or
    Human Development-A Life-span Approach

    3 Credits

    EDU 120 / CIS 120

    Technology for Teachers

    3 Credits

    SOC 230

    Sociology of Families

    3 Credits

    EDU 100
    (15 Credit Hours)

    Introduction to Education

    3 Credits

    Second Semester

    ENG 102

    English Composition

    3 Credits

    EDU 225*

    Teaching Young Children to Read

    3 Credits

    PSY 210

    Educational Psychology

    3 Credits

    Elective

    Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or Astronomy

    4 Credits

    EDU 170
    (16 Credit Hours)

    Issues for the Paraprofessional in Education

    3 Credits

    Third Semester

    HIS 203 or 205

    U.S. History

    3 Credits

    MAT 103

    Foundations of Math

    3 Credits

    SPC 110

    Introduction to Speech Communication

    3 Credits

    EDU 228*

    Literature in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

    3 Credits

    PEH Elective
    (14 or 15 Credit Hours)

    Recommend PEH 165, 216, or 245

    2-3 Credits

    Fourth Semester

    Elective

    Elective

    3 Credits

    EDU 213

    Introduction to Special Education

    3 Credits

    EDU 270

    Field Experience for the Paraprofessional in Education

    6 Credits

    EDU 227*
    (15 Credit Hours)

    Teaching Mathematics

    3 Credits

    TOTAL 60-61 CREDITS

    *

    If you are a paraprofessional in a middle or high school, see your advisor about selecting courses to substitute for these courses.