Instructors:             

Brenda Straley, MS

Kaylene T. White, MS

Program Description:

The courses in this program are designed to introduce students to the field of education including special education, paraeducation, or other careers in disability services. This program offers a starting point for an education pathway at most Utah colleges and universities. Students will gain hands on experience working with children with disabilities. Students learn instruction, data collection and assessment that can be used in public school classrooms, community settings, and adult education settings.

Program Objectives:

The introductory courses in this program will help students decide if they would like to pursue a career in education, special education, paraeducation, or other careers in disability services.  Students will be introduced to human growth and development as related to education. Students will gain insight into teaching as a profession, including the history/ organization of American schools, school law, curriculum, effective instruction, and helping diverse learners succeed in the classroom. Students will gain hands-on skills by participation in practicum experiences in public school classrooms.   Successful completion of these courses will help prepare students for entry level education programs at the community college or university level. Students will have opportunities to facilitate future employment by developing relationships with students, teachers, parents, and school administrators.

Program Expectations:

Students who enroll in this program are expected to have excellent attendance, be dependable and reliable in both the JATC classroom and practicum settings. The program involves significant hands-on practice and student observation.  Students will be assigned to practicum experiences that will provide experience in a wide variety of educational settings. Students will also travel to various schools within Jordan School district to observe classrooms and related services. Students must provide their own transportation to and from these activities. Students learn skills and ethics in the workplace that are applicable in a variety of careers and personal settings.  To remain in this program, students must maintain at least a “C” average throughout the semsester.

High School Credit:

Four (4) high school CTE or elective credits

Concurrent Credit:

EDU 1010 Orientation to Education with a Paraeducation Component (Fall Semester – 3 credits)

PED 1010 Introduction to Paraeducation (Fall Semester – 3 credits)

FHS 1500 Human Development Across the Lifespan (Spring Semester – 3 credits)

PED 2150 Introductory Experience with At-Risk Students (Spring Semester – 3 credits)

PED 2160 Introductory Experience Practicum (Spring Semester – 1 credit)

Educational Opportunities:

Students have the opportunity to further their education at a community college and/or university upon successful completion of this program.  Successful completion of this course helps prepare students to enter an entry level job working as a paraeducator, under the direction of certified classroom educator. Students that have the desire to continue in the field of education/special education will need to complete a college degree.

Possible Careers:

Teacher (Elementary, Secondary, Post- Secondary),  Special Education Teacher, Paraeducator, School Administrator, Specialized Services (Speech and Language, Hearing  Impaired, Visually Impaired, Adaptive Physical Education etc.), Assistive/Adaptive Technology, University/College Disability Resource Center, Disability Advocate, Adult Services for People with Disabilities

Misconceptions:

Students need to know that all courses within this program are college level.

Classes Required for Entrance:

None

Recommended Classes:

Adult Roles, Child Development, and Early Childhood Education, Peer Tutor

Program Length:

Full year

Eligibility:

Junior and Seniors based on entrance exams, GPA, attendance and strength of schedule.

Costs/Fees:

Salt Lake Community College concurrent enrollment fee: $40

Textbooks:  $200 (optional)

Opportunities for membership in FCCLA and Future Educators Association