Education - K-12

Department: Education

Program Type: Education and Liberal Arts

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Overview

No other profession impacts the lives of young people as teaching. As an educator, you make a difference daily. Starting your Education career at Elgin Community College is an excellent choice. Complete general education requirements while focusing on education courses to prepare for a teaching career in Illinois. The courses you take at ECC will depend on your transfer institution and degree program. It's important to select classes carefully with an advisor's guidance.

Teachers must be certified by the state in which they live and work. In Illinois, you must hold a degree in education and be certified with an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). When you start your career at ECC, we will support you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you become a teacher.

Get additional information, including course listings and class descriptions.

Education Programs
Program	Description
Northern Illinois University 2+2 Program	Continue your bachelor's after an approved ECC associate degree. Offers B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education with Bilingual/ESL Endorsement. Contact: 815-753-0446 \| admissions@niu.edu \| More info
PLEDGE Program	Launched in 2021, diversifies Illinois' K-12 workforce with a focus on Elementary Ed/Bilingual ESL. Cohort model with clinical experiences in literacy and co-teaching. Contact: Marlen Ruiz \| Tracy Vittone \| More info
Golden Apple Scholars Program	Prepares teachers for schools of need. Provides scholarships, mentoring, classroom experience, and job placement. Priority for ECC/NIU PLEDGE applicants. Contact: Norma De La Rosa \| More info
District Partners: U-46, D300, D301, D303, D304

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The US Department of Labor estimates Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers are projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, (accessed May 07, 2024). Positions in this area include but are not limited to:

Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding similar occupations and compensation.

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the plan of study and course descriptions.

Clinical Experience

Elgin Community College partners with local school districts to give students in its Education Program meaningful clinical experience each semester. Through these placements, students observe classrooms, practice essential teaching skills, and gain firsthand insight into the role of a licensed educator. This immersive experience marks the beginning of their journey toward becoming professional teachers. Student progress is evaluated using the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, focusing on applying classroom learning in real-world settings.

Before participating, students must complete a $40 background check through the Kane County Regional Board of Education. Please contact our Clinical Coordinator, Deborah Hackbarth for more information.

Conceptual Framework of the Clinical Experience:

Introductory Knowledge
- Observe diverse teaching and learning styles.
- Observe classroom management strategies.
- Observe the classroom setting, organization, and setup.
- 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I start my education degree at ECC?

Elgin Community College (ECC) offers programs designed to prepare you for success in education. ECC partners with Northern Illinois University to provide a pathway in Elementary Education with Bilingual/ESL Endorsement. The college also participates in initiatives such as the PLEDGE Program, which promotes diversity in Illinois’ educator workforce, and the Golden Apple Scholars Program, which offers scholarships and mentoring for future teachers.

At ECC, you can complete your general education and introductory courses in literature, math, music, psychology, and physical education. To become a licensed teacher in Illinois, work with an academic advisor to plan your educational path and select the right transfer courses for your intended four-year institution.

Starting your education career at ECC also provides valuable clinical experiences. These allow you to observe classrooms and develop the knowledge, skills, and professionalism essential for effective teaching.

What do teachers do?

They create lesson plans, teach classes, assess students, grade work, and communicate with parents or guardians about progress.

What courses will I take at ECC?

You’ll complete general education and introductory courses in literature, math, music, psychology, and physical education.

What education areas can I specialize in?

You can focus on elementary, secondary, or special education based on your program and concentration.

What’s the difference between ECC's Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Education (K–12) programs?

Both programs prepare you to make a difference in students' lives—but they focus on different age groups, learning environments, and career paths.

Early Childhood Education (ECE):
If you love working with young children—from infants to about age 8—Early Childhood Education (ECE) might be the right fit. ECEs nurture and guide children through their earliest stages of development, helping them grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. At ECC, you’ll gain hands-on experience through observation and practical work at the on-campus Early Childhood Lab School and local DCFS-licensed child care centers. Typical careers include:

preschool teacher
childcare worker
teacher's assistant

Education (K–12):
If you want to teach older children in elementary, middle, or high school settings, the K–12 Education pathway is for you. This program prepares you to earn your Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), which is required for all certified teachers in the state. At ECC, you’ll build a foundation for transferring to a university to complete your bachelor’s degree in education. Career options include: