Educational Studies (Grades 1-12)
Start Your Teaching Career with an Associate Degree in Educational Studies from NECC
Why pursue a degree in Educational Studies (Grades 1-12)?
Do you remember your favorite teacher? Would you like to inspire a new generation of students to succeed? NECC’s Educational Studies Associate in Science Degree will help you build a solid academic foundation.
NECC Degrees: Seamless Transfer Pathways for Tomorrow’s Teachers
Whether at the primary or secondary level, becoming a great teacher starts with building a strong academic foundation. At NECC, our Educational Studies Associate Degree offers a mix of classroom learning and field experiences, allowing students to apply the theory and practice of teaching in real-world settings under the guidance of licensed teachers and administrators.
With this program, students gain foundational knowledge in the arts and sciences, including mathematics, communication, humanities, and social sciences. They also learn about child/adolescent growth and development, how to manage a classroom, and how to plan, prepare, and implement effective lesson plans. This program has two possible core curriculum pathways, allowing students to choose a specific concentration in either Elementary School or Middle/High School teaching.
Ready to explore where your passion to inspire a new generation of students will take you?
What you’ll get from our Educational Studies (Grades 1-12) program
Learn Teaching Essentials in a Supportive Environment
Immerse yourself in the education world, as you gain the knowledge, skills, and commitment needed to enroll and excel in a bachelor’s degree teaching program. Learn about teaching essentials, including how to plan and implement lesson plans, manage a classroom, and increase awareness and sensitivity to inspire children from diverse cultural backgrounds in today’s public schools.
Through coursework and supervised field experiences, develop essential teaching skills in a supportive environment, including critical thinking, problem solving, creative expression, professionalism, and the effective use of technology in the classroom.
Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework
Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with experienced teachers and administrators in the community.
Gear Up for a Great Career as a Teacher
At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great elementary school teacher, high school teacher, special education teacher, or other teaching professional, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:
Acquire knowledge in child/adolescent growth and development- Manage a school classroom with children from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Gain practical experience outside the classroom through supervised field experiences
- Seek entry-level employment as a teaching assistant (paraprofessional)
Acquire knowledge in child/adolescent growth and developmentYour Schedule, Your Rules
Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around. Once you’ve completed our Educational Studies Associate Degree program, you’ll be able to seek immediate employment as a paraprofessional or apply your credits towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field at a four-year school.
Quote:
I find (first-graders) are really eager to learn at that age and participate in activities”
Daniel Pierce, Elementary Education
Where this journey can take you
Teachers and teaching assistants are always in high demand. Upon graduation from NECC with an Associate Degree in Educational Studies, you can begin working in the field or transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year school.
Like a blank curriculum template, you can use your associate degree as an academic foundation to build upon, empowering you to choose a wide variety of career paths.
Imagine yourself serving in one of these roles:
- Inspiring students to succeed and providing formal instruction as a Primary School or Secondary School Teacher
- Leveling the educational playing field for students with disabilities as a Special Education Teacher
- Supporting lead teachers in the classroom as a Teaching Assistant
Why choose NECC for your Educational Studies degree?
We Get It
At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Educational Studies Associate Degree courses are designed with you in mind.
NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.
With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.
Learn from the Pros
Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe teaching principles.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
Career Services
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What Can I Do With This Major?
Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?
With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.
Support for Every Student
NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.
Career Outlook for Teachers North of Boston
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects over 106,000 job openings for primary school teachers each year, over the next eight to nine years. While the BLS projects a slight decline in overall employment for high school teachers, roughly 64,000 new openings are projected each year during that period.
At NECC, our Educational Studies Associate Degree program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working as elementary school teachers, high school teachers, special education teachers, and more. Some have gone on to start their own successful businesses!
How much can I expect to make as a Teacher or Teaching Assistant?
The earning potential for teaching assistants and licensed teachers varies based on several factors, including education, experience, certifications, specialization, and setting. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a Middle School Teacher in Massachusetts was $72,990 as of December 2024.
With an Associate Degree in Educational Studies from NECC, you’ll be qualified to seek immediate employment as a paraprofessional or advance your education, preparing you for these teaching roles:
Elementary School Teacher
Creates and administers lesson plans, oversees the classroom, and ensures high student performance. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $72,133 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $59,186 and $87,113.¹
Middle School Teacher
Creates and administers lesson plans, oversees the classroom, and ensures high student performance. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $72,990 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $59,190 and $90,890.¹
High School Teacher
Creates and administers lesson plans, oversees the classroom, and ensures high student performance. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $73,000 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $59,190 and $90,890.¹
Special Education Teacher
Supports students with disabilities by providing instruction, guidance, and care. They work to ensure that students with disabilities have the same educational opportunities as their peers. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $69,642 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $54,900 and $91,209.¹
Teaching Assistant
Supports the lead teacher in the classroom to ensure the effective delivery of the required materials. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $34,000 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $29,300 and $40,400.¹
How to Get Started Earning an Educational Studies Associate Degree in the Merrimack Valley Region
Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree in Educational Studies program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!
FAQs
Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.
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success story
Daniel Peters
Daniel Peters found that Northern Essex was the best place for him to balance farming, fastballs, first-graders, and the fundamentals of a college education. Read Daniel’s story.
Helpful Links
- Program Pathway (Elementary)
- Program Pathway (Middle/High School)
- Education LibGuides
- Academic Catalog
- Center for Professional Studies
- What Can I Do With This Major?
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