The Education / Special Education Assistant option of the Human Services program is designed to meet the needs of students interested in careers as education assistants or teacher aides in schools, day care centers, or similar institutions. Individuals currently holding paraprofessional positions in education may use this option to enhance classroom and related skills.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Identify and explain the historical and philosophical foundations of American education;
• Interpret current issues facing educators on the basis of study and research;
• Evaluate how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners;
• Conduct small instructional groups under the supervision of a teacher;
• Tutor individual students in selected subjects;
• Implement lesson plans that have specific learning outcomes and procedures, support inclusion, and reflect differentiation of instruction;
• Demonstrate the use of classroom technology for instructional, adaptive, and enhancement purposes.

Although some of the required courses are offered in the evening, the complete option will require daytime attendance either full-time or part-time. During the Spring semester of the sophomore year, the student has an intensive 15 to 20 hours per week field experience in classrooms under the supervision of skilled teachers. Arrangements for the field experience must be made during the preceding Fall semester.

By careful selection of electives, students interested in working with special populations may become qualified as special education assistants. Consult an Education program advisor for more information.

Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and competency in English as demonstrated through placement testing.

Students who have completed this program have found employment in public and private schools, day care centers, and similar institutions.

Graduates of the program have transferred to various four-year colleges and universities including The College of New Jersey, Rowan University, Georgian Court University, Rider University, and Rutgers University. This program is not, however, designed for transfer, and some loss of credit may be expected depending upon the transfer institution and the intended program of baccalaureate study.

SEE ALSO:
Education (K-12) degree program