New Associate of Arts in Education Degree Launched

Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is excited to announce the launch of our new Associate of Arts in Education concentration this autumn semester, making it the college’s eighth Associate of Arts pathway. The Associate of Arts programs are designed to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.

This is not COTC’s first education program – the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education has allowed students to obtain licensure upon graduation to work with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Unlike early childhood education, the new Associate of Arts in Education program is designed for students wanting to transfer to a bachelor’s program and to work in K-12 education. The credit hours students complete at COTC easily transfer to Ohio public universities for bachelor’s degree completion.

COTC’s Associate of Arts in Education is a cost-effective way to begin a career in teaching. Beyond saving money on the front end, the program is ideal for those currently working in childcare – infant, toddler and preschool teachers, school aides, teaching assistants, etc. – who want to further their professional opportunities and migrate to K-12 education.

“A degree can open opportunities to lead teaching positions in the classroom, positions in administration, and a pathway to exploring other related careers, including an intervention specialist or curriculum developer,” explains program director Diana Reece.

This concentration was born out of increased interest in K-12 educational programming, as well as an increased demand for teachers. There will be many job opportunities for Associate of Arts in Education graduates.

“Teaching is a continually changing and growing job,” says Kelley Gaynier. Gaynier teaches both the fourth grade as well as COTC’s early childhood education programming. “It’s a job that requires you to be able to think on your feet. You build connections with students; you watch them grow.” She continues, “Having a degree in education allows you to teach several grades and increases your flexibility, making it easier to get a job.”

For more information on COTC’s Associate of Arts in Education program, contact program director Diana Reece at 740.366.9359 or reece.108@mail.cotc.edu, or visit go.cotc.edu/aaeducation.