Education

Associate Degree in Education

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About our Education Programs

SMCC offers two education programs: Early Childhood Education and Education. The programs focus on different age/grade ranges, but both provide students with the foundational skills and experiences they need to enter their chosen fields. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is designed for students who are interested in teaching children from 0-8 years of age, including students in grades K-3. The Education (EDUC) program is designed for students who are interested in exploring education more broadly and/or those who wish to teach older students in specialized fields like English or Math. Both programs focus on the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions students need to make a difference in the lives of the children with whom they work. These skills are put to use as students engage in classroom settings and externships in the local community. Throughout each step of the way, students work with supportive and experienced faculty. Our goal is to create a community of learners who work (and play!) together with all students receiving the support they need to achieve their dreams.

Graduates of the ECE and EDUC programs pursue many different paths. Some enter the work force as Ed. Tech. II in public school systems throughout the state. Others choose to become infant, toddler, or preschool teachers. Some open their own early childhood centers. Others continue on to earn their Bachelor’s Degree and become certified teachers. The University of Maine at Farmington delivers their Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at SMCC. Students in the EDUC program often choose to continue on for their Bachelor’s through the University of Maine system.

• For details about our Education program see below.
• For details about our Early Childhood program, visit our Early Education program webpage.

About our Education Program (K-12)

The Education degree program is designed to prepare pre-service teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills for employment and/or future study in the field of K-12 education. Successful graduates experience field work in public school classrooms in each education course taken as a way to connect theory into actual practice. Topics that are covered, beyond core requirements, seek to address the theories of how human beings learn, the compelling issues related to American education, the developmental stages of literacy acquisition from birth to grade 12, and an in-depth overview on issues related to special education law and students with special needs.

Graduates of the associate degree program are eligible for certification as Educational Technician II with the designation as “highly qualified.”

Your Degree Courses

SMCC offers an Associate in Science degree requiring a mix of general education and hands-on courses. The following courses are a sampling of what you might take as a student in this program and are subject to change.

Program Course Sampling

Current Major-Specific Courses Available

Interested in seeing some of the current major-specific courses being offered as a part of this degree program?

• View a list of current major-specific courses for this program.
• View a list of all current courses.

Graduation Requirements

Prospective Students

If you are thinking about attending SMCC and are curious what the current program course requirements are to earn your degree, download the current SMCC Course Catalog.

Current Students

If you are a current student, your program requirements may be different than those listed for the current catalog year. To view your specific program requirements or to search and register for courses, log in to MySMCC and visit the MyDegree webpage.

Graduation Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of “best practice” in teaching that promotes optimal learning for all students.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the major issues in public education today that inform the organization of schools in the 21st century.
• Understand the federal and state laws that define resources and supports for special education students as defined by IDEA and understand the myriad of disabilities that are identified in students in public schools.
• Identify and select interventions that promote growth toward goals set out in an individual’s IEP.
• Understand the components of literacy acquisition from birth to grade 12 and understand how to think about teaching literacy for optimum learning with an eye toward developing competent and confident readers.
• Understand the need for collaboration with peers and colleagues as a tool to continually learn and perfect the craft of teaching.
• Use verbal and oral communication, interpersonal relationships and other related personal skills (such as self-discipline and time management) effectively.

Estimated Degree Completion Time

Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.

Certificate Programs

Education offers an advanced certificate in Education which requires a mix of general education and hands-on courses. For more information, visit our Advanced Education Certificate webpage.

SMCC Graduates

Transfer Agreements for Education