Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 12 Unit 1 You—The Teacher of Tomorrow Requirements for leading preschool and pre-K programs vary. Many demand that teachers have at least an associate’s degree in early childhood development and education, which generally requires two years of study and practice. Some, especially those linked to elementary schools, require a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university. Some states require certification by a nationally recognized authority, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Coun- cil for Professional Recognition. See Figure 1.5 for a description of the various academic degrees. Paraprofessional positions are also available for those with less education or experience. A paraprofessional works under the supervision of a more highly educated professional. Elementary Schools What do you remember about elementary school? Who were your best friends? Which grade did you enjoy most? Do any favorite teach- ers, field trips, or class projects come to mind? Did you lose your lunch money, miss the bus, encounter a bully, or struggle to learn division? Elementary school is a time of great exploration, language development, social development, and the introduction of scientific and mathematical concepts. Think about the tremendous developmental changes that occur between kindergarten and fifth grade. The physical, intellectual, social, and emo- tional differences between a child in kindergarten and an 11-year-old are enormous. In this time span, small children grow into preteens. They learn to read, compute, and tackle more complex information. Likewise, they make friends and figure out how to handle disagreements. Children learn to deal with feelings and develop a sense of who they are. In these early years, students often have classroom experiences that affect their success or failure in school, work, and even their personal lives. Understanding Academic Degrees The specific degree granted (such as BA versus BS) depends on the student’s area of study, program requirements, and the tradition of the institution granting the degree. Many other degrees exist. Note that community colleges grant an ABS (Associate of Baccalaureate Studies) degree to students who complete a program of study equivalent to the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree. These students normally transfer to a four-year college or university as a junior. Degree Type of Institution Years to Achieve Typical Degrees Associate’s Community college 2 AA—Associate of Arts AS—Associate of Science ABS—Associate of Baccalaureate Studies Bachelor’s University or four-year college 4 BA—Bachelor of Arts BS—Bachelor of Science Master’s University or four-year college 1–2 MA—Master of Arts MS—Master of Science MEd—Master of Education Doctorate Some universities 3 or more PhD—Doctor of Philosophy EdD—Doctor of Education Figure 1.5 The specific degree your teaching degree will require depends on many factors, including your program requirements and the tradition of the school granting your degree.