Prepare for a Career in Education
"MCC was the perfect choice for me, but I never realized what a great experience it would end up being. The instructors were awesome … I couldn’t have asked for more." Louise Schmidt, McHenry, currently teaching at Country Meadows Elementary School in Long Grove.
Is a Career in Education for you?
Education is a lifelong process of acquiring knowledge and skills. If you enjoy learning and helping others learn, a career in education may be for you. If you are interested in working with people, have the ability to motivate others, and can work independently, MCC can help you find a rewarding career.
There are several paths to a career in education. MCC offers:
- An Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, and
- A transfer program designed to prepare you for a bachelor's degree in Elementary or Secondary Education.
- Teacher Certification/Education Partnerships
Associate degree prepares you for preschool setting
Is your goal to become a preschool teacher or director? Do you have some work experience in an early childhood setting and wish to become teacher qualified or director qualified? The Early Childhood Program at MCC offers many options for individuals interested in working with young children birth to five years old. Students interested in a career in early childhood education should contact Marie V. Frostman, (815) 479-7559.
Transfer program will get you started on your bachelor’s degree
If you’re planning a career as an elementary or secondary teacher, you can begin your education at MCC and then transfer to a four year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree.
The Illinois Board of Education determines the requirements for teaching in the state of Illinois as follows:
- The Early Childhood certificate is valid for teaching children from birth through grade three in facilities approved by the State Board of Education. This certificate may be issued to graduates with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college who have successfully completed the required certification examinations and who present certified evidence of having completed required coursework.
- The Standard Elementary Certificate is valid for teaching in kindergarten through grade nine of the common schools. The certificate may be issued to graduates with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college who have successfully completed the required certification examinations and who present certified evidence of having completed required coursework.
- The Standard High School Certificate is valid for teaching in grades six through twelve of the common schools. This certificate may be issued to graduates with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college who have successfully completed the required certification examinations and who present certified evidence of having completed require coursework.
Start your education at MCC, then transfer
The first four semesters for all education majors, preschool through high school, can be completed at MCC. However, you must contact your transfer school to ensure credit acceptance and waivers for MCC courses. It is highly recommended that students planning to major in elementary or secondary education meet with an MCC counselor to plan their program.
You can enroll in five courses each semester and complete an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) degree in four semesters. MCC's program conforms to the Illinois State Certification requirements for education majors. It serves for majors in elementary, secondary, or special education.
Employment Opportunities
MCC can prepare you for a career in education in teaching and support positions in public and private schools, businesses, and government. Some of the career opportunities in education are:
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Note: For some of these teaching areas, special endorsements may be required. |
Employment of elementary and secondary school teachers is expected to show continued growth, with increasing demand for teachers certified in math, science, and bilingual education. Individuals obtaining licensure in multiple subjects or who are willing to relocate may see the best opportunities for employment.
Salary Range
In Illinois, the median entry-level salary for a bachelor’s degree is $22,717 per year and with a master’s degree, $25,079 per year. The medians for maximum salaries for experienced teachers at the same degree levels are $34,128 and $41,172 per year.
MCC can help you find a career in education! Please contact Sue Maifield, (815) 455-8679 for assistance in planning your program.
Education/Early Education Department: (815) 455-8942
Admissions: (815) 455-8530
Student Services/Financial Aid:
(815) 455-8761
Whom can I contact for further information?
Marie V. FrostmanPhone: (815) 479-7559
E-mail: mfrostma@mchenry.edu
8/23/07