Northern Essex CC Educational Studies (Grades 1-12) - Northern Essex Community College

An Educational Studies student teacher in an elementary classroom surrounded by books and art supplies.

Do you remember your favorite teacher? At NECC you can prepare to become an elementary, middle, or high school teacher, and inspire a new generation of students. By starting at NECC, you can build a solid foundation of courses specifically designed to integrate the theory and practice of the teaching profession. You can then transfer to a four-year college to complete your bachelor’s degree – and save thousands of dollars along the way.

Why Choose NECC?

NECC will provide you with a strong basis in the arts and sciences, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in teaching. You will choose a concentration in either the elementary (Grades 1-6) or middle/high school (grades 7 – 12) level. In this program you will:

Learn about child/adolescent growth and development and how to manage a classroom
Increase your awareness and sensitivity to the wide diversity of children in public schools today
Gain real-world experience through field experiences in the classroom.

Because of NECC

Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared to transfer to complete your bachelor’s degree and pursue a career as a teacher. You will also be prepared to begin working as a paraprofessional (teaching assistant), and many alumni actually do both. After completing the program you can:

Take advantage of MassTransfer Pathways and other transfer agreements to save thousands of dollars while you earn your bachelor’s degree in secondary education or a related field.
Seek work as a teaching assistant
Go on to become a certified elementary school, middle or high school teacher

I find (first-graders) are really eager to learn at that age and participate in activities”

Daniel Pierce, Elementary Education

Career Paths & Job Market

Job Opportunities

An associate in science degree in Educational Studies from NECC will qualify you to work as a paraprofessional (teacher assistant/instructional aid) in a public school.

To become licensed as a public school teacher it is necessary to transfer to a four-year college with an approved teacher education after program after graduating from NECC. You will be qualified to enter the teaching profession once you complete a bachelor degree and pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) or in New Hampshire, Praxis I.

Private schools may also employ you as a teacher. The MTEL or Praxis I is usually not a requirement for teaching at a private school, although completion of a bachelor degree is.

Once you acquire your initial teacher licensure you may decide to pursue an additional specialization at the Master Degree level, such as special education, guidance counseling, or school administration.

Additional Information on Elementary, Middle, or High School Educator Licensure

In Massachusetts: Massachusetts Department of Education website: Become an Educator
In New Hampshire: New Hampshire Department of Education website

Career Paths

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook: Elementary School Teachers

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook: Middle School Teachers

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook: High School Teachers

Program Pathways

A pathway is the most efficient sequence of courses semester-to-semester recommended for students to complete their degree. This program has two pathways.

View the suggested pathway for Elementary Teaching.

View the suggested pathway for Middle/High School Teaching.

Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes - Educational Studies (Grades 1-12)

Design lesson plans, strategies, and assessments for the elementary classroom.
Demonstrate critical thinking about teaching and learning theories and practices.
Create and design safe and productive classroom environments that embrace diverse learning abilities and cultures.
Modify instruction, curriculum, and assessments to meet the needs of all learners.
Cultivate and identify collaborative partnerships with families, caregivers, community members and local organizations.
Develop the capacity to reflect on and improve the practice of teaching.