DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
EDUCATION
Area of Interest at Harper College
MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the classroom Educators are highly valued and are in demand. There are numerous teaching opportunities ranging from early childhood into adulthood. Harper College’s Education programs help you develop the skills and establish your path to a fulfilling career through both career and transfer programs in several areas of education. At Harper, you learn through quality, convenient courses, save money and transfer to a four-year institution—or you may find a program that offers the credentials needed for entry-level employment or career advancement. Explore our Education degree and certificate programs.
Early Childhood Laboratory School of Harper College received the Gold Circle of Quality designation from ExeleRate Illinois. Caring for and educating children for more than 30 years.
Harper’s Education pathways lead to over
30
employable occupations
Gain real-world experience through partnerships with area schools and at the Early Childhood Laboratory School. Many credentials available that can lead to a successful teaching career.
Harper College offers programs in: y Early Childhood Education
y Middle School Education
y Special Education
y Elementary Education
y Paraprofessional Educator
y Health/Physical Education
y Secondary Education
y TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Others Languages)
For licensed teachers, Harper offers Teaching Endorsement courses that prepare and qualify you for the ISBE exams.
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Harper INSPIRED and ENERGIZED me to become a great teacher.
—Tim O’Grady
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Harper College has collective knowledge through experienced faculty who take interest in sparking excitement in the next generation of teachers. With an accredited curriculum that provides the footing to your career in education, you will achieve a solid foundation. Rigorous courses with small class sizes and accredited learning labs set the stage for instructing theories, methods and how to educate students that will heighten your proficiencies and motivation as a teacher in a lasting career.
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) and the Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees outlined in this brochure are transfer options.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) TEACHING PROGRAM (with two specializations) Early childhood educators support the needs of our youngest population ranging from infancy to the age of eight. An educator may work in a child care facility, preschool or homecare environment. At Harper you gain the necessary skills from instructors who are involved with student learning and make classroom theory come alive through interactive experiences. Students gain invaluable hands-on skills through instruction at the on-site learning lab. The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related major.
ECE TEACHER (SPECIALIZATION) The teacher A.A.S. degree is designed to provide you with the requisite skills and theoretical knowledge to work in a variety of facilities for young children as a teacher in early childhood centers. Courses include child development, assessment and guidance, diversity in schools and more. This program prepares you for the IL-Illinois Gateways application to qualify for the Illinois ECE Credential Level 4 and Illinois Infant/Toddler Credential Level 4.
ECE TEACHER CERTIFICATE
Harper’s Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Early Childhood Education degree prepares you for employment in an early child care setting.
Supporting the needs of our youngest population ranging from infancy to the age of eight, early childhood teachers establish the base towards a child’s educational path. Harper offers you classes in areas such as assessment and guidance, child-family community, creative activities for young children and more.
Coursework in the A.A.S. program may also prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university. Choose from one of these specializations:
Obtaining this certificate will help you meet the minimal educational requirements established by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for an early
ECE DIRECTOR (SPECIALIZATION) The director A.A.S. degree is designed to provide you with the requisite skills and theoretical knowledge to work in a variety of facilities for young children as a director for half-day and full-day early childhood centers. Courses include child development, diversity in schools, leadership and more. This program prepares you for the IL-Illinois Gateways application to qualify for the Illinois Director Credential Level 1.
Continued on page 6.
The Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Association for The Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
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This certificate prepares you for the IL-Illinois Gateways application to qualify for the Illinois ECE Credential Level 3 to become an early childhood teacher. Credit earned for this certificate can be applied to the Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Degree—Teacher specialization at Harper College.
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I’ve LEARNED FRESH APPROACHES and ways to incorporate resources and COOPERATIVE LEARNING into the classroom.
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childhood teacher who has also obtained one year of experience in a licensed center.
ECE ASSISTANT TEACHER CERTIFICATE Assistant teachers at this level play an integral role in encouraging students to learn. At Harper, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as an assistant teacher in a licensed child care facility. The college is known for providing teachers with a high-quality education and graduates of this program are routinely sought after by local employers. This certificate prepares you for the IL-Illinois Gateways application to qualify for the Illinois ECE Credential Level 2 to become an assistant teacher. Credit earned for this certificate can be applied to the Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Degree at Harper College.
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— Vito Selvaggio Education student
INFANT/TODDLER TEACHER CERTIFICATE Build upon your initial infant/toddler coursework by completing some general education courses. Obtaining this certificate qualifies you to be a lead teacher in a licensed child care facility. This certificate also qualifies you for the IL-Illinois Gateways application to qualify for the Illinois Infant Toddler Credential Level 3 to become an infant/ toddler teacher. Credit earned for this certificate can be applied to the Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Degree at Harper College.
For complete program and admission information, visit harpercollege.edu/areas
Education Programs—Options Your Goal
Work in a public or private school
Work in a child care center
Enhance a teaching career**
Start at Harper
Your Path
Complete a transfer degree with a career emphasis or take transferable courses.
Earn a Harper A.A.S. degree or certificate.
Take Harper endorsement courses.
Choose from:
Choose from:
Choose from:
y Early Childhood Education
y Assistant Teacher
y Elementary Education
y Early Childhood Education Director
y PK–12 (ESL) Teaching Endorsement and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificates
y Health/Physical Education y Middle School
Harper Programs
y Secondary Education y Special Education y Paraprofessional Educator (Teacher’s Aide)*
TIPS
Outcome
y Early Childhood Education Teacher y Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant y Infant/Toddler Teacher
y Health Education (PEL) Certificate and Endorsement Prep y PK–12 Physical Education Teacher Endorsement Prep
• Talk with an academic advisor about the best courses for your major and area of study. • Consider options at the University Center at Harper College.
Transfer to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree or begin your career as a Teacher’s Aide.**
Begin your career**
Continue your career**
*If you’ve previously earned 30+ college credit hours you have the option of earning a Paraprofessional Educator certificate. **State license or credentials may be required.
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My TEACHING CAREER began at Harper.
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INFANT/TODDLER TEACHER ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE An infant/toddler teacher provides the first developmental experience for children from birth to age 3. At Harper, you’ll gain knowledge through courses such as principles of early childhood curriculum, nutrition, safety and more. Obtaining this certificate at Harper can help you become a lead teacher in a licensed child care facility. This certificate qualifies you for the IL-Illinois Gateways application to qualify for the Illinois Infant Toddler Credential Level 2 to become an infant/toddler support teacher. Credit earned for this certificate can be applied to the Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Degree at Harper College.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION Start young students on the right track. Elementary education teachers are trained to provide instruction in all core knowledge areas for students in grades 1–5. These teachers provide the introduction to and development of concepts and skills that students will use throughout the rest of their academic careers. Harper’s program offers you the opportunity to learn how to meet student needs using invaluable strategies to provide equitable learning opportunities and gain knowledge on licensure requirements for teaching positions in elementary schools. Harper has recognized affiliations with area schools that will give you clinical experience and real-world exposure to different instructional situations in the classroom environment; unique to many other programs. The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in education or a related major.
HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION Health/physical educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness and healthy habits. Studying health education can lead you to a career as a wellness coordinator or consultant, patient educator or physical education teacher. Become a skilled professional by enrolling in a program that teaches basic public health principles that can expand your thinking about conditions and circumstances that affect the health of individuals, communities and populations including mental health, nutrition, fitness, diseases and more. Health educators perform their duties in hospitals, nonprofit organizations, government, doctors’ offices, private business and learning institutions. Physical educators help develop proper exercising techniques and promote fitness in public or private schools. The Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in health/ physical education or a related major. Harper also offers specialized endorsement programs that expand your teaching opportunities.
MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION Middle school education teachers are specially trained to provide instruction in a specific academic discipline that is taught in grades 5–8. These teachers provide middle school students with an introduction to and development of concepts and skills they will use throughout the rest of their academic careers. Harper’s program offers you the opportunity to learn invaluable strategies to provide equitable learning opportunities to meet student needs and gain knowledge on licensure requirements for teaching positions in middle schools or junior high schools. Continued on page 10.
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The Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in middle school education or a related major.
PARAPROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE There are many opportunities for paraprofessional educators as the field is expected to grow. Paraprofessional educators (commonly known as teacher’s aides or instructional assistants) work in a variety of locations where they assist in instruction, assessment, supervision and child development. At Harper, you’ll learn to provide academic assistance from courses such as educational psychology, students with disabilities, technology in education and more. The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Paraprofessional Educator degree prepares you for entry-level employment as an instructional assistant, paraprofessional educator or teacher’s aide in a K–12 school. The Paraprofessional Educator certificate is designed for a candidate who already has 30 hours of college credit. This certificate will prepare you for employment as an instructional assistant, paraprofessional educator or teacher’s aide in a K–12 school. Credit earned for this certificate can be applied to the Paraprofessional Educator A.A.S. Degree at Harper College.
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SECONDARY EDUCATION High school teachers prepare secondary-level students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college or to enter the job market. High school teachers are trained in the fundamentals of education while majoring in another discipline that is taught at a secondary level, grades 9–12. At Harper, you can earn an associate degree depending on your desired major. For instance, if you want to teach high school mathematics, you should pursue an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree, while a student who wants to teach English would pursue an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
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The instructors are amazing. They really want us to UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A TEACHER…
For complete program and admission information, visit harpercollege.edu/areas
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Harper has recognized affiliations with area schools that will give you clinical experience and real-world exposure to different instructional situations in the classroom environment; unique to many other programs.
— Karina Guillen Education student
ALREADY A TEACHER? Take courses at Harper to earn teaching endorsement credentials or qualify for the ISBE (Illinois School Board of Education) exam to enhance your professional teaching degree and expand your career opportunities. Choose from: y PK-- 12 ESL Teacher’s Endorsement and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) Certificates y Health Education Teaching (for PEL) Certificate and Endorsement Preparation y PK---12 Physical Education Endorsement Preparation The endorsement will be attached to your Professional Educator License (PEL). State license or credentials may be required.
SPECIAL EDUCATION Because not all students learn the same way, special education teachers are pivotal in matching instructional methods to a student’s particular needs. Special education teachers learn to work with students with a wide range of learning, intellectual, behavioral, physical challenges and other special needs giving each student the best opportunities for success in school and in life. Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students from preschool to high school. Harper courses cover such topics as social and behavioral sciences, educational technology, psychology and more. Observing and speaking with special education instructors in a classroom is part of the required clinical that gives you first-hand experience with students. The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in special education or a related major.
TESOL (TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES) CERTIFICATE TESOL graduates work in study abroad programs, travel to other countries to teach English or assist immigrants in learning English. There’s great potential in the global economy. Earn your certificate at Harper and gain the necessary skills required to work in both domestic and international contexts. Coursework focuses on theoretical linguistics, language and culture, English as a second language (ESL) teaching methods, language classroom observations and electives in other areas such as humanities, education, anthropology, psychology, philosophy and literature. Students must be eligible for college-level credit courses in order to pursue the TESOL certificate. TESOL certificate courses prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree. This certificate prepares you for entry-level employment to become an ESL instructor. Certain careers may require a teaching license. Harper’s linguistics classes are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and can lead to your ESL Endorsement.
Harper College is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement designed to help Illinois college students transfer easily.
If you are interested in a education-related subject not listed here, please meet with an academic advisor to discuss your goals.
SCAN ME to find out more about Education programs.
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For complete program and admission information, visit harpercollege.edu/areas
LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN EDUCATOR According the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of education, training and library occupations is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 512,900 new jobs are projected in the same time period. Enrollment is expected to increase at both the college and university level and among public elementary and secondary schools. Therefore, postsecondary teachers, preschool, elementary and secondary school teachers will be needed to meet the demand. By pursuing a degree in education, you’ll discover employment in a variety of institutions. Harper College is a great place to start your career in education.
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POTENTIAL OCCUPATIONS: y Assistant teacher y Before/after school aide
y High school physical education teacher y Instructional assistant
y Career education teacher
y Math teacher
y Director
y Preschool teacher
y ESL instructor
y Paraprofessional educator
y Family child care teacher y Health education coordinator
y Special education teacher
START AT HARPER. FINISH AT A FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITY. Harper College is a great place to begin your college education. When you enroll in a Harper College transfer degree program, academic advisors or counselors will help you choose courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year college or university you are planning to attend.
COMPLETE YOUR BACHELOR’S DEGREE Through the University Center, you can earn a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university in select areas by taking courses offered at Harper’s Palatine campus. The University Center makes earning a university degree more convenient, affordable and accessible.
$152,280
4 YEARS Private University Source: College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021. * All costs based on tuition and fees only. Does not include expenses such as room, board, or transportation. Does not include financial aid or scholarships.
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QUALITY LEARNING y Flourish in an environment focused on your success. Learn from professionals and educators who’ve become leaders in their field. They will inspire you. y Smaller class sizes allow for more access to your instructors which significantly enhances your educational experience. y Harper offers courses in Social Justice Studies to achieve more equitable societies and to empower the next generation of allies, advocates and change-makers. y Know we’re serious about your education. Harper College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the recognized organization that accredits degreegranting colleges and universities.
JOB SEARCH PREPAREDNESS y The Job Placement Resource Center is committed to help students and alumni become job search ready.
Thousands of students, from those taking their first college
y You may be thinking about how to pay for college. Harper has a staff of financial aid and scholarship experts to help you. y If you live outside of Harper’s district, yet work at an in-district organization, take college credit courses at the reduced in-district rate through the Business EdVantage program.
course to career changers,
choose Harper College. Nearly 11,000
students were awarded more than $26 million in scholarships, grants and tuition waivers through Harper College this year. (FY2021)
PURPOSEFUL CAREER AND DEGREE PROGRAMS
AFFORDABLE COST
Over 50%
SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT y Harper’s Academic Support Centers offer free assistance in a variety of areas. Topics include study skills, time management, reading strategies, math strategies and more. If you need help with a class project or preparing for a test, there is always someone ready to help you succeed.
of Harper
students identify as a
y Whether you are seeking an associate degree, ready-to-work career degree, technical career certification or a program to move you forward to a four-year university, Harper has a class for you. y Begin a bachelor’s here then transfer credits to ultimately complete your degree at a four-year university. Harper’s University Center partnerships can get you there.
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first generation college student.
FLEXIBLE COURSE OPTIONS y Harper has options to make college work with your busy life. Choose from day, evening and online courses, flexible schedules and accelerated programs.
For complete program and admission information, visit harpercollege.edu/areas
CAREER EXPLORATION GUIDANCE y Counselors and advisors will help you with course selection, long-term academic planning, transfer information and developing your career goals. y Accredited assessments, workshops and support will help you develop your career.
HARPER COLLEGE WELCOMES YOU Harper College is made up of a variety of individuals from all walks of life. A diverse, rich culture is present and encouraged. Harper’s academic and cultural experience provides you an exceptional learning environment with the type of education that builds credibility, contributes to a well-rounded character and generates success in the workplace…and your place outside of work.
TOP
5
REASONS
you should consider Harper College:
1. Tuition is a fraction of the cost compared to most four-year universities. 2. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 3. Smaller class sizes with personal access to dedicated instructors. 4. Classes that fit within your schedule— day, evening or online. 5. Locations near you —home or work. Harper is the College in your community.
Harper College is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation. 31201 11/22 DRC
Be on Your Way to a FULFILLING CAREER There are other academic areas to explore that serve a variety of occupations and disciplines. Check the Harper website for a free info session event or call 847.925.6700. Harper College offers courses, certificates and degrees in: Art, Design, and Performing Arts
Business, Entrepreneurship and Information Technology
Education
Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science
Health Science
Liberal Arts, Languages, and Communication
Manufacturing and Construction
Physical and Life Science
Public Service
Social Science
LEARN MORE We invite you to meet with an Admissions Specialist to discuss your academic interests as well as your personal and professional goals.
Harper College Admissions Outreach CALL EMAIL VISIT
847.925.6700
[email protected] harpercollege.edu/areas