If you have a talent for teaching and you want to make a difference in the lives of youth, the Associate of Arts in Elementary Education (AAEE) provides you with the foundational skills to enter the teaching profession. The AAEE includes general education courses relevant to Arizona Department of Education (ADE) teacher certification requirements and prepares graduates to continue on to a teacher preparation Bachelor’s degree. The AAEE also prepares students to meet the requirements needed to be a paraprofessional or instructional assistant.
Completion of this two-year associate degree in Elementary Education also provides direct employment possibilities as an elementary school instructional aide/teaching assistant or substitute teacher.
- OPTION: School districts are among the largest employers in NPC’s service area. To help supply the workforce required by the 57 public and Native American school districts, NPC offers an Education Profession Certificate of Proficiency (CP), which can be completed in two semesters. The CP prepares students for the national ParaPro Assessment for individuals working as teaching assistants or serving as substitute teachers.
Learn about transferring credits from community college to a university at AZtransfer.
See list of NPC transfer course options.
For more information about transfer degrees, please contact an NPC Academic Advisor. Also see the current NPC College Catalog and class schedule.
Entry Requirements
- The Associate of Arts in Elementary Education degree requires a minimum of 60 hours of course credits with a “C” or better in all courses and a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Some courses have placement requirements or prerequisites that may result in coursework beyond 60 credits. These courses, too, require a grade of “C” or better. For information about prerequisites, see the Educator Preparation Program’s advisor.
- In most general education courses, special emphasis is placed on developing written communication skills with intensive writing requirements.
- Students in this program are required to complete practicum hours in a variety of school settings.
- Prior to enrolling in EDU courses, you must provide proof of a current IVP card with Level 1 clearance. If you need assistance accessing fingerprint clearance, or you do not have access to a school site, contact the Educator Preparation Programs Department before registering for classes.
While not required, current CPR/First Aid training is strongly recommended. Classes are available through NPC.
Work Environment
Elementary school teachers and aides work in public, charter and private schools.
Potential Job Titles
Elementary school teacher, teaching assistant, instructional aide, substitute teacher.
Articulations
The NPC Associate of Arts in Elementary Education degree is a transfer degree. The general education component of the AAEE degree fulfills the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-A). When completed, the 35 credits of the AGEC-A will transfer to the three public Arizona state universities as a block that meets all lower division general education requirements. NPC works with all three state universities to promote their "Teacher Academies."
- NAU Teachers Academy - NAU has an extended education classroom on NPC's Show Low campus.
- ASU Teachers Academy
- U of A Teachers Academy
The Education Professions Certificate of Proficiency is a direct-to-work certificate, with some courses applicable to the AAEE or AAEC transfer degrees. See an NPC academic advisor for guidance on selecting courses to best fit your educational and career goals.
Locations
Contact Information
2251 E. Navajo Blvd.
Nizhoni Learning Center, room 148
Holbrook,
AZ 86025
NPC Early Childhood Studies
Northland Pioneer College
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