EDUCATION

SO YOU WANT TO BE A TEACHER!

Central has a long history of helping to educate our nation’s teachers, the most commonly pursued occupation among all of our alumni. We do not offer a four-year education degree at this time, but we have recently received accreditation for our teacher education department with the Kansas State Department of Education. Currently, KSDE is in the process of reviewing the programs we plan to offer, Elementary Education, PreK-12, Physical Education, Secondary Social Science, and Secondary English. Once we receive approval for these programs, we will be able to offer classes.

How can Central Christian help me prepare to teach?

In the past, students have been successful at obataining teaching positions by:

  1. Completing a two-year degree at Central and then transferring to another college or university that offers an accredited teacher education program.

  2. Finishing a bachelor’s degree at Central, most often with a Bachelor of Science/liberal studies major, then obtaining licensure through a college or university with an accredited teacher education program. This usually takes an additional year of study.

  3. Finishing a bachelor’s degree at Central and obtaining emergency certification for special situations in various school districts around the country, such as magnet schools, filling teacher shortage positions in various disciplines, etc.

  4. Finishing a bachelor’s degree at Central, then applying to teach at one of the many Christian elementary, junior high, and/or high schools around the world which utilize alternative forms of licensure. Those applying at schools who are members of the Association of Christian Schools International may be granted a provisional certificate to teach while additional professional course work is completed over a prescribed time frame to obtain full licensure.

  5. Finishing a bachelor’s degree at Central, most often with a Bachelor of Science/liberal studies major, then taking advantage of the many opportunities to teach English internationally.

How do I get started?

Central is currently pursuing accreditation for a teacher education program from the Kansas State Department of Education. We are designing an elementary education program and three secondary education programs. The secondary programs are English, Physical Education, and History/Government. When the program receives accreditation, those pursuing elementary teaching will graduate with a degree in elementary education. Students seeking the three secondary degrees will pursue a major in their chosen field (i.e. English, Physical Education, or History/Government) along with completing the professional education curriculum. They will then be eligible to sit for exams to receive teacher licensure. Currently we are working on the final phase of a three step process toward receiving Kansas State Department of Education approval to offer a teacher education program.

Prior to being granted state accreditation, the education curriculum at Central is designed to meet the first two years of requirements for licensure to teach. Students may graduate with an AA degree, then transfer to a college or university with an accredited teacher education program. If you know which school you plan to transfer to, Central can tailor a program that will allow you to transfer the maximum amount of credits and make a smooth entry into that school’s teacher education program. Some education degrees may require up to five years of college.

What courses will I need to take?

General Education Courses:
EN-CO 103 English Composition I 3 credits
EN-C0 104 English Composition II 3 credits
SS-HI 105 US History I or  
SS-HI 106 US History II 3 credits
CO-CO 211 Principles of Speech 3 credits
NS-MA 104 College Algebra 3 credits
NS-BI 101 General Biology 4 credits
NS-PS 104 Earth Science 4 credits
SS-PY 110 General Psychology 3 credits
SS-GE 113 World Geography 3 credits
SS-SO 381 Marriage & Family 3 credits
PR-364 Modern Culture & Christianity 3 credits
HU-AR 101 Art Appreciation 2 credits
HU-MU 105 Music Appreciation 2 credits
PE 100 Fitness & Wellness 2 credits
SS-PE Activity or Varsity Sport 1 credit
PR Choose one Bible course per year 8-12 credits

Professional Education Courses:
ED 110 Early Field Experience 1 credit
ED 120 Culturally Diverse Field Experience 1 credit
SS 201 Human Growth & Development 3 credits
SS 207 Child & Adolescent Development 3 credits
EN 202 Children and Adolescent Literature (Elementary & English majors) 2 credits

Introduction to Education:

Many of our students enroll in Introduction to Education at a nearby college. It is taken at the same time as our two in-classroom experiences, Early Field Experience and Culturally Diverse Field Experience. The Intro class is then transferred into their program here at Central. This class helps students in making decisions about pursuing a career in the field of education while in the process of completing an AA degree at Central.

Why should I choose Central Christian College?

Because we have already been granted state accreditation, we anticipate receiving state approval for our programs in time to allow us to offer education courses by your junior year, although we cannot guarantee it at this time. As a freshman and sophomore, you would begin taking general education course work and prerequisites in preparation for admission into the teacher education program. In your junior year, you would begin taking the professional education courses.

At Central Christian College, you will have the opportunity for a very rewarding college experience and the chance to build many happy memories!You will find a positive climate for spiritual growth in the Christian environment of our close-knit campus community. Your experience will be further enhanced by personalized and caring attention from our dedicated faculty. You will also have the opportunity to form life-long friendships from among our warm and friendly student body. Central is a great place for you to begin your teaching career!