Education

Considering pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education?

Students can study for an Associate in Science (AS) or Associate in Arts (AA) at Elgin Community College, then transfer to an accredited institution to complete their desired degree in Education. Depending on the specific program and concentration chosen, Students can specialize in areas such as Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Special Education. Students are encouraged to connect with an Academic Advisor to develop an education plan to map out selected courses. 

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?

Beginning a career in Education at Elgin Community College is a great idea. Here, you can finish your basic education requirements and take classes specific to education. We offer classes in literature, math, music, psychology, and physical education. If you want to become an elementary teacher in Illinois, it's important to work with an academic advisor at ECC to plan your education. The courses you'll need to take at ECC before transferring to finish your Bachelor’s degree, which is required for licensure, will depend on where you plan to go. 

Northern Illinois University 2+2 Program

Upon earning an approved Associate Degree at ECC, Students can continue to complete their Bachelor's Degree with NIU on the ECC campus through a 2+2 partnership. The Program offers a B.S.Ed. Elementary Education with Bilingual/ESL Endorsement is designed to prepare educators to work with 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

The Partnering to Lead and Empower District-grown Educators (PLEDGE) Program focuses on Elementary Education with a Bilingual/ESL Endorsement, aiming to diversify Illinois' K-12 educator workforce through innovative strategies and partnerships. In collaboration with Elgin Community College (ECC) and Northern Illinois University (NIU), this program enables ECC students to smoothly transition to NIU while staying at ECC.

The B.S.Ed. Elementary Education program with a Bilingual/ESL endorsement prepares educators for grades one through six, aligning with 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 includes four clinical experiences focusing on different education elements, such as literacy and teaching diverse learners, culminating in student teaching in local districts using a co-teaching model. 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

Illinois's Golden Apple Scholars Program recruits and supports future teachers. It offers scholarships, financial aid, mentoring, classroom experience, job placement assistance, and more to students pursuing teaching careers, focusing on diversity and commitment to underserved communities. You can learn more about ECC’s Scholar Class of 2024.