Ideal for those who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in teaching or begin working in a school system as a trained teaching assistant/paraprofessional.
To help address a local shortage of skilled educators, Lakeshore College launched a new training program in the fall of 2024. Foundations of Teacher Education provides a solid foundation so graduates will be prepared to succeed as a well-trained teaching assistant/paraprofessional and pursue a bachelor’s degree. More than 100 of these jobs are open annually in Lakeshore’s district.
Students will learn proactive classroom management strategies, developmentally appropriate practices to foster student learning, and instructional support strategies.
Out of the 60 credits in the program, 45 are education-specific; focus is on successfully preparing Lakeshore students to directly support students in classrooms.
Graduates of this associate degree program can smoothly transfer their credits to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in teaching. Lakeshore has transfer agreements for this program with 13 universities, both public and private; nine are in Wisconsin. Students can save thousands by starting their path to teaching at Lakeshore.
Graduates can also secure in-demand jobs as teaching assistants/paraprofessionals in preschools, elementary, middle and high schools.
In addition, this program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for a three-year short-term substitute teaching license and special education program aide license.
Both credentials can make graduates extremely attractive to any school district. All these roles allow graduates to have a tangible, meaningful impact on the lives of others throughout our community.
Lakeshore’s research shows a projected 4% increase in the next 10 years for teaching assistants/paraprofessionals. This growth is higher than surrounding areas and the entire state. For every one position posted, 13 hires are made. Similar growth is projected for elementary, middle and high school teachers holding bachelor’s degrees.
Top Candidates for Foundations of Teacher Education
This new program is ideal for someone who wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree in teaching or begin working in a school system as a trained teaching assistant/paraprofessional. Lakeshore encourages those who:
- are in high school or any age beyond
- want to attend part- or full-time
- are working adults
- want to get credit for prior learning from other colleges as well as military, work, or volunteer experience
Individuals who are interested in working with students from all populations, want to help others learn and understand, have good communication skills, and pay attention to detail will succeed in this new program. Knowledge and skills such as communication, problem-solving and critical thinking are transferable to this field from other careers and life experiences.
Competency-Based Education Format Fits Around Busy Lifestyles
The Foundations of Teacher Education offers in-person instructional support while delivering all courses online through a competency-based education (CBE) format. Our CBE format works especially well for anyone needing to fit college around busy work and family schedules. Start dates are available in spring, summer and fall. CBE allows students to learn:
- when they want
- progress at their own pace
- receive personalized coaching and support
A unique feature of CBE is the ability for students to complete assignments at a pace they need to fully understand course content. This means a student who brings prior knowledge or experience to a course may quickly progress to demonstrating competency and pass a course faster than other students.
In-person support hours with instructors on campus are available to all students, along with virtual meetings and email support. These support offerings differentiate Foundations of Teacher Education from other online programs. In-person interactions allow students to connect with each other and instructors throughout each semester, enhancing the learning experience in ways which go beyond what a fully online program offers.
QUESTIONS?
To learn more about Lakeshore’s Foundations of Teacher Education program, visit gotoltc.edu/foundations-teacher-education or contact our Admissions team at admissions@gotoltc.edu today.
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