Certification to teach in the public schools requires a four-year degree. This degree program is designed to prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions with teacher education or liberal arts degrees, and also meets the needs of paraprofessionals seeking to fulfill national and state requirements.

This program provides students with introductory experiences at the elementary, middle, and/or high school level. Students should be aware that most four-year colleges require the successful completion of Praxis I examination as well as a minimum grade point average, usually 2.5 or better, as a condition of admission. The student works closely with an academic advisor to choose the electives and sequence of courses that best meets the specific requirements of their chosen teaching fields and transfer institution.

Students are advised that anyone working in a public school must be free of criminal convictions as required by the NH Department of Education. Some schools may require a background check prior to observing or volunteering. The student may incur fees in meeting this requirement.

Program Mission

The mission of the Liberal Arts/Education Program is to provide students with the foundation to become effective educators. Students will gain a firm understanding of schools and their functions, the teaching process, effective techniques, and the art of reflection in order to meet the needs of all children. Students will be able to experience elementary, middle, and high school levels. The program is aligned with national standards and four-year colleges with education degrees.

Program Goal/Objectives

Graduating students will:

• Develop an appreciation for the act of reflective practice and recognize the impact of ongoing reflection in order to become an effective educator.
• Be exposed to elementary, middle, and secondary school systems while developing an understanding of the importance of meeting the individual needs of all children.
• Acquire an understanding of various educational theories and their application to the real-world classroom.
• Be exposed to a variety of teaching techniques used in today’s classrooms to meet the individual needs of all children.

Admission Requirements

Students interested in applying for the Liberal Arts/Education program are required to attend an informational session before acceptance into the program. Transfer students from other degree programs or colleges must have a 2.5 GPA for admission to this program.

Transfer Policy

In addition to MCC transfer credit policies, appropriate education courses will be accepted if taken within a five-year period. Exceptions to this policy, based on professional experience, may be granted at the discretion of the Department Chair. Proper documentation will be required to initiate this process.

Technical Standards

• Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain in the program.
• Individuals expecting to pursue their teacher certification and/or seek employment in the educational system are required to undergo criminal backgrounds checks and fingerprinting.
• Students who expect to transfer to a four-year degree program must take the Praxis I exam for admission to the college and pass the test for approval for student teaching.
• Students seeking employment as a “highly qualified” paraprofessional or teacher assistant must pass the Praxis I exam. MCC has an online tutoring program to prepare students for the Praxis I.
• Students seeking a career in education should be physically and mentally fit to withstand a physically active work environment and the stress of ever-changing circumstances, and have the ability to respond quickly and appropriately when events require.

Students are also expected to have the maturity to accept direction and guidance, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with teachers, fellow students, children and their families.

Liberal Arts/Education Degree Program

* Open Electives: Any course that the college offers with a course number of at least 100. ESL courses are not considered open electives and cannot be counted toward graduation requirements.

School Age Special Education Certificate

May be earned independently or as part of the education degree, and includes three courses that fulfill the requirements of the Education Focus Transfer electives. Students completing the certificate may be eligible for employment as paraprofessionals for children with special needs.