Education
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It is predicted the United States will need to fill nearly 1 million teaching positions
as current teachers reach retirement age.
Education is a field with a variety of options for working with children; the most popular position being a classroom teacher. It is predicted the United States will need to fill nearly 1 million teaching positions as current teachers reach retirement age.
High demand areas will include those requiring special training in math and science, working with English as a Second Language, working with those identified with special needs and working within schools which serve a significant percentage of students from low-income situations.
Family and Consumer Sciences is rapidly becoming a high need area in the state of Kansas as high schools have redesigned programs to meet work force demands and revisions within the Kansas State Department of Education Career & Technical Education Pathway programs.
TRAINING. EDUCATION. DEVELOPMENT.
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Mission:
The Cowley College Education Program is committed to providing learning experiences
which promote the understanding that education is a means for transforming individuals,
local communities, and global societies.
Vision:
Through reflective practices and rigorous studies, the Cowley College Education program
is committed to fostering future teachers who strive for academic excellence and who
advocate for quality education for students with various backgrounds and needs.
Goals:
- Dedicated faculty implement best practices in instruction to ensure course content is covered effectively to ensure academic excellence and to ensure coursework is transferable for meeting university expectations and accreditation needs.
- Students are provided opportunities within local schools to develop connections to course content and understand the importance of creating caring and safe learning environments.
- Students are provided with a historical perspective of formal education while reflecting on a more contemporary and global view of today’s educational needs and approaches.
- Through the reflective process, students come to understand their philosophical ideals on education and the personal dispositions which contribute to becoming an effective educator: integrity, collaboration, empathy, committed to excellence, accountability, professional growth, demonstrate equity and inclusion.
To teach children (PreK – 12th grade) in Kansas public schools, teachers must be licensed by the Kansas State Department of Education. This is accomplished after completion of a four-year degree and meeting minimum standards on professional assessments in content areas and pedagogy of teaching.
Cowley College offers several avenues and partnerships to assist students in transferring to an appropriate teacher college to meet state licensure requirements for all grade levels. In addition, Cowley College has designed programs to assist those who would like to work within school systems but seek employment opportunities other than as a classroom teacher.
Locations
125 South 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
This program can be completed online.
Learn For Free
Kansas residents can earn scholarship dollars to cover expenses and learn for free
by completing an eligible associate degree or certificate under the Kansas Promise
Act Scholarship. Contact the Scholarships Department to find out more about the Kansas Promise Act Scholarship.
K-12 teachers are in short supply in Kansas. In a joint public-private partnership, we are changing the landscape for K-12 teachers to pursue teaching degrees, earn their teaching licenses, and impactstudents' lives. Transferring from Cowley College to one of three private Kansas colleges will maintain the student's credits and pathway to graduation while paying a nominal $300.00 per credit.
Qualifications:
- Graduate from Cowley as a Secondary Education major and maintain it after transferring.
- Apply to transfer school with and maintain at least a 2.75 CGPA.
- Transfer to Friends University, Newman University, or Southwestern College.
- Must enroll full-time (12+ credit hours per semester).
Programs & Degrees
Early Childhood programs continue to grow within local schools to address a variety of needs in an effort to prepare young children for success. As school districts adopt early childhood programs, the demand for licensed teachers who specialize in working with children birth through second or third grade is on the rise.
The Associate of Arts in Elementary Education/Early Childhood prepares students to transfer into university programs which support a unified bachelor's degree. This unified degree focuses on curriculum content and pedagogical practices in preparation for a license to teach children birth through third grade.
Cowley College works closely with universities to design specific course work for the Associate of Arts Degree to meet entrance requirements for their specific programs.
Note: Many universities do not offer a “unified” degree where students can integrate Early Childhood course work into their Bachelor’s Degree program, but rather require students to complete the Bachelor of Arts/Sciences in Elementary Education then complete a Master's Degree in Early Childhood; therefore, dual enrollment is highly recommended for those looking to become an Early Childhood educator and be licensed by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Elementary Education teachers continue to be in demand as veteran teachers prepare for retirement. Teacher education programs for elementary education degrees and licensure focus on comprehensive curriculum content and pedagogical practices to prepare future teachers for teaching any grade level Kindergarten through 6th grade.
Cowley College works closely with universities to design the Associate of Arts degree options which meet their specific entrance requirements.
Note: Many universities are integrating Special Education or Early Childhood course work into their Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degree programs to offer the student an opportunity to be licensed in those areas. For more information on those programs, dual advising is recommended.
Middle School teachers continue to be in demand as veteran teachers prepare for retirement. Teacher education programs for Middle School education degrees and licensure focus on comprehensive curriculum content and pedagogical practices to prepare future teachers for teaching any grade level 6th – 8th grades.
Cowley College works closely with universities to design the Associate of Arts degree options which meet their specific entrance requirements.
There are several routes to earn licensure for teaching 6th – 8th grades:
- One is to complete a Secondary Education bachelor's degree in a specific area of study (math, biology, chemistry, physics, social studies, English, etc) for grades 6 to 12.
- Another option is to complete the Elementary Education Bachelor's degree then add the 24-hour credit requirements needed to teach a specific area of study at the 6th-8th grade level – called an “endorsement.” This would be done during the completion of the bachelor's degree requirements at the four-year college/university. Some universities do offer degree programs which focus specifically on 6th – 8th grades but require the teacher candidate to choose two areas of study, for example math/science or language arts/social studies. In all these cases, dual advising is recommended to ensure proper course work for transfer.
- A final option is to earn either a licensure in Secondary Education or Elementary Education then complete the professional exam in the content area of interest for Middle School instruction. The licensure officer at the four-year school of transfer can assist you with this route.
High School teachers continue to be in demand as veteran teachers prepare for retirement. Teacher education programs for High School education degrees and licensure focus on comprehensive curriculum content and pedagogical practices to prepare future teachers for teaching any grade level 6th – 12th grades.
Cowley College works closely with universities to design the Associate of Arts degree options which meet their specific entrance requirements.
Those interested in earning licensure for teaching high school will focus on one area of study (math, biology, chemistry, physics, English, etc.). Degree candidates will work with both the Education Department and the department for the area of focus to ensure transfer needs. For example: if the plan includes secondary biology, the student will work with both the science and education departments to complete required course work for transfer and/or licensure.
Non-core disciplines such as Physical Education are only available for K-12 Licensure currently. These special content areas typically take an additional semester during both the associate and bachelor's Degree programs to ensure competency for all grade levels.
Students should focus on the associate degree for the intended area of study and collaborate with a Cowley College advisor to develop a General Education Plan of Study to meet requirements for admissions to the transfer school. Dual advising is strongly recommended to determine if entry and basic level course work in the specific discipline is transferable.
Non-core disciplines such as Art & Music are only available for K-12 Licensure currently. These content areas typically take an additional semester during both the associate and bachelor's Degree programs to ensure competency for all grade levels.
Students should focus on the associate degree for the intended area of study and collaborate with a Cowley College advisor to develop a General Education Plan of Study to meet requirements for admissions to the transfer school. Dual advising is strongly recommended to determine if entry and basic level course work in the specific discipline is transferable.
Paraprofessional - The paraprofessional program can prepare you for a career as a paraprofessional educator (teacher’s aide) in regular and special education classes in elementary and secondary schools and in social service agencies.
Cowley’s program provides you with a strong foundation for a career in education through classroom work and observation in the field. The employment of paraprofessionals continues to grow. The coursework is designed to expand skills in basic general education content and develop an understanding of the unique responsibilities of the paraprofessional.
Paraprofessional Associate Degree
OR
Elementary Education Associates
Para2Teacher – Become a teacher while you work as a paraprofessional!
- Complete the associate degree and required pre-requisite courses needed to enter a teacher licensure program at the university level.
- Most of the universities in Kansas are offering the Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education via online or other alternative schedules and delivery methods beyond the traditional face-to-face option during the standard school or workday, allowing paraprofessional to continue working while working on their license credentials.
Elementary/Early Childhood Associate
Cowley College Educator Flat Rate – paraprofessionals working at a public school in any state and taking courses at Cowley College toward a major in Education or Paraprofessional qualify for a special flat rate which is approximately ½ to cost of standard tuition/fees!
To become a substitute teacher, follow the requirements established by the State of Kansas for Licensing. If you are seeking an Emergency Substitute License and need to complete the required 60 hours of college credits, consider of the Associate of Arts Degree in Education options below.
Transfer Partnerships
- After completing the associate’s degree, transfer to Newman and complete the remaining coursework required for the bachelor’s degree at an accelerated rate of only 16 months.
- Courses taught virtually 2-3 nights per week for 12 months followed by 4 months of student teaching – or students may join classes at the Cowley College main campus in Arkansas City or outreach campus in Wellington
- Convenient for working paraprofessionals
- Earn a $27,000 scholarship for a 2.7 GPA or better
- No entrance assessments required
To request more information, complete the online form on the Newman University Pathway to Teaching Program page.
Cowley College Transfer Degree Plan – work with your advisor to complete the recommended degree plan for transfer
Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP) –
- Elementary/Early Childhood Unified licensure program (Birth – 5th grade with emphasis on early child)
- Requires students to work as paraprofessionals in the schools throughout the program
- All coursework is online
- Special tuition/fee rate for Education courses only
- No entrance assessments required
Elementary Education to WSU Main Campus –
- K-6th grades
- Traditional courses meeting face-to-face on main campus
- Must pass entrance assessments
Cowley College Transfer Degree Plan(s) – work with your advisor to complete the recommended degree plan for transfer
- Emporia State offers a Pre-K to 6th grade Elementary Education as well as a Special Education Unified (K-6) Licensure online.
- Emporia State University offers their traditional Elementary Education program on their main campus (Pre-K to 6th grade).
- The Elementary Education can be completed as distance option through the BEST program where students meet for classes (evening available) in Andover.
- Online option available for those that would prefer to stay closer to home.
- Students may get credit for working as a para professional.
- Accelerated Option is available to complete ESU Coursework in 18 months with scholarships available.
- Students must participate in field work and practicums to complete the degree.
Cowley College Transfer Degree Plan – work with your advisor to complete the recommended degree plan for transfer
- Degree options can be completed via their main campus
- Online degree programs include: Early Childhood Unified (Birth – 3rd grade), Elementary Education (K - 6th grades), Elementary Education Special Education Unified (K – 6th grade SPED).
- Students must participate in field work and practicums to complete the degree. Having online coursework is convenient for the working paraprofessional.
Cowley College Transfer Degree Plan – work with your advisor to complete the recommended degree plan for transfer
- Offers traditional face-to-face option via their main campus
- Online degree program in Elementary Education for working paraprofessionals
Cowley College Transfer Degree Plan – work with your advisor to complete the recommended degree plan for transfer
- Offers traditional face-to-face option on their main campus
- Online program, convenient for paraprofessionals, in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education
Cowley College Transfer Degree Plan – work with your advisor to complete the recommended degree plan for transfer
MORE
- Has officially graduated from high school within 15 months of seeking credit
- Credit is applied toward the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree
- Must be a high school pathway “completer” with a B or better
- Indicate Education as a major
- High School student or graduate should contact the Director of Education to earn credit
via one of the following –
- Test-out option – for high schools outside Cowley/Sumner Counties
- NO tuition/fees will be charged for the 4 credits earned
- Test-out fee of $50 applies
- Must earn a C or better on the exam to receive college credit
- After the completion of 12 college credit hours (must be completed after high school), the exam grade will be recorded on the college transcript as the final course grade (confirm transfer grade needed)
- Dual Enrollment or Concurrent Enrollment Option –
- Enroll in the Cowley College EDU6211 & EDU6212 courses (4 credits) OR in the high school pathway courses with the FastTrack program for high school students using AcceleRate tuition. Check with the Director of Education for more information
- Test-out option – for high schools outside Cowley/Sumner Counties
- Educator Appreciation Flat Rate - paraprofessionals working at a public school in any state and taking courses at Cowley College toward a major in Education or Paraprofessional qualify for a special flat rate which is approximately ½ to cost of standard tuition/fees! Apply Here
- Cowley College Health & Human Services Department Scholarship – Apply Here
- Cowley College Foundation Scholarship – Apply Here
- Federal Financial Aid for Grants & Loans – Apply Here
- Kansas Promise (for Paraprofessional & Elementary/Early Childhood) – Apply Here
- America Reads - become a paid tutor at a local school through the America Reads Grant
- Must be federal work-study eligible
- Must be available to work at a local school as a reading or math tutor during the school day or for the after-school tutoring program
- For more information contact the Director of Education or the Financial Aid Office
Kansas State Department of Education
National Education Association
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Council for Exceptional Children
Kansas Board of Regents – Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship
U.S. Department of Education – TEACH Grant
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