Education - K-12

Considering pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education?

What Do Teachers Do?

• Create lesson plans for different subjects like reading, science, and math.
• Observe students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Instruct an entire class or smaller groups of students.
• Grade student assignments.
• Communicate with parents or guardians about their child’s progress.
  

Why Start your Education Degree at Elgin Community College?

Elgin Community College provides various programs to prepare you for success in the field of education. These programs include partnerships with Northern Illinois University, emphasizing Elementary Education with Bilingual/ESL Endorsement. Additionally, ECC collaborates on initiatives like the PLEDGE Program, focusing on diversifying the educator workforce in Illinois. These efforts are complemented by the Golden Apple Scholars Program, which supports aspiring teachers with scholarships and mentoring. At ECC, you can finish your basic education requirements and take classes specific to education. We offer classes in literature, math, music, psychology, and physical education. To become a teacher in Illinois, work with an ECC academic advisor to plan your educational path. The courses you must take at ECC before transferring to complete your Bachelor's degree will depend on your transfer destination. These courses are required for licensure.

Starting your Education career at ECC offers valuable clinical experience, a crucial component of the program. These opportunities help you observe and develop the essential knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes needed for effective teaching in real-world settings.

Programs

Northern Illinois University 2+2 Program

After earning an approved Associate Degree at ECC, students can continue their Bachelor's Degree with NIU. This is made possible through a 2+2 partnership on the ECC campus. The program offers a B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education with a Bilingual/ESL Endorsement. It prepares educators to teach students in grades 1 through 6. Learn more about the program highlights and requirements. 

To schedule an appointment with a representative from Northern Illinois University, please call 815-753-0446 or email admissions@niu.edu. 

Partnering to Lead and Empower District-grown Educators (PLEDGE) Program

Launched in 2021, the PLEDGE Program focuses on Elementary Education with a Bilingual/ESL Endorsement. It aims to diversify Illinois' K-12 educator workforce through innovative strategies and partnerships. In partnership with ECC and NIU, this program helps ECC students transition smoothly to NIU while staying at ECC. The program offers the same Elementary Education teacher-licensure program at ECC in Elgin as NIU's main campus. It boasts 100% retention, with 50 graduates currently working in Illinois schools.

The B.S.Ed. Elementary Education program prepares educators for grades 1-6, meeting Illinois State Board of Education and TESOL standards. Completing this program leads to a recommendation for the Bilingual/ESL endorsement on a teaching license. The curriculum offers four clinical experiences focusing on literacy, diverse learners, and co-teaching in local districts. The program offers the same curriculum as NIU's main campus in DeKalb, with intensive clinical placements in each professional semester. It operates on a cohort model, fostering strong peer and faculty relationships and mutual support over a rigorous two-year period. 

Anyone interested in Education and the Pledge Program should contact Marlen Ruiz or Tracy Vittone.

Golden Apple Scholars Program

The Golden Apple Scholars Program in Illinois is designed to prepare teachers for schools of need. It offers tuition assistance to students committed to becoming highly effective educators in the state. We prepare aspiring teachers for immediate and lasting success in culturally and geographically diverse teaching environments. The program offers scholarships, financial aid, mentoring, classroom experience, job placement assistance, and more to students pursuing teaching careers. It focuses on diversity and commitment to underserved communities. The program highlights teacher preparation and tuition assistance for students who are determined to be highly effective teachers in Illinois. The application cycle is from September through April.

Scholars Receive:

• Up to $23,000 in total financial assistance (yearly amount will be determined according to academic level) for college, including paid Scholar Institutes.
• Extensive classroom teaching experience.
• Academic and social-emotional support.
• Job placement assistance.
• Mentoring from our award-winning teaching faculty.

Any ECC student pursuing a degree in education with teaching licensure and planning to transfer to a 4-year Illinois partner institution should apply before transferring. *Strong ECC/NIU PLEDGE Program applicants will automatically be given priority status and become finalists. You can learn more about ECC’s student success with our Scholar Class of 2024.

Anyone interested in the Golden Scholars Program should contact Norma De La Rosa for more information.

Clinical Experience

Elgin Community College partners with local school districts to provide students in its Education Program with valuable clinical experience each semester. This experience allows students to observe and learn essential skills for effective classroom teaching. This immersive experience introduces the role of a licensed teacher and begins their journey toward becoming professional educators. Progress is assessed using Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, emphasizing the application of classroom learning in real-world settings. Before participating, students must undergo a $40 background check through the Kane County Regional Board of Education. 

Please contact our Clinical Coordinator, Deborah Hackbarth for more information.

District Partners:

U-46, D300, D301, D303, D304

Conceptual Framework of the Clinical Experience:

• Introductory Knowledge
  • Observe diverse teaching and learning styles.
  • Observe classroom management strategies.
  • Observe classroom setting organization and set-up.
  • Observe learning and teaching objectives.
  • Observe various types of assessments.
• Key Elements of Observations
  • Observe and understand how teachers enable learning.
  • Observe and understand how diversity impacts/influences learning.
  • Observe and understand the necessity of individualized learning.
  • Observe and understand the importance of technology in the classroom.

Clinical Hour Requirement per Course:

• EDN 100 - Introduction to Education: 15 total hours (5 elementary school, 5 middle school, 5 high school hours).
• EDN 204 - Exceptional Individual: 30 hours
• EDN 211 - Pre-Student Teaching: 32+ hours
• PSY 211- Educational Psychology: 5 hours 

ECACE Scholarship

The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program supports students working in early childhood care and education. It helps those pursuing a degree or credential in early childhood education. Created to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators, the program helps with tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

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