Teacher Academy

The Teacher Academy is a program designed for students planning to major in education at a post-secondary college or university after high school. The goal of this program is to give students hands-on experience in the classroom and a solid foundation in the world of education so they confidently enter college and pursue their advanced degree.

Our Instructors

Biffy NutterLevel I & II Instructor
nutterb@uppervalleycc.org
937.778.1980 x260

student info

What We Do in Teacher Academy

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Hands-On Education

In the Classroom

  • Work in local area classrooms as an aide

  • Facilitate small group and one-on-one work with special needs students

  • Earn your State-Tested Paraprofessional License

  • Train in Child Abuse and Awareness Prevention,

    CPR, and First Aid

  • Receive instruction in child and adolescent development

  • Visit Ohio colleges and universities

  • Participate in Educators Rising Competitions

Skills for the Future

  • College prep skills

  • Critical thinking skills

  • Develop a professional portfolio to document achievements and experiences

  • Classroom management, lesson planning, and designing a productive learning environment

  • Interpersonal communication

  • Time management

  • Philosophies, foundations, and theories of education

Edison State Community College

Teacher Academy classes are held at Edison State Community College, adjacent to the Upper Valley Career Center.

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Heading to local elementary schools

Career Development

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Career Opportunities

  • Pre-K, Elementary, middle, or high school teacher

  • Teacher's Aide | Paraprofessional

  • Speech pathologist

  • Guidance counselor

  • Special education teacher

  • School psychologist

  • Curriculum director

  • School Administrator

With a paraprofessional license, students can be employed as an aide immediately after high school.

Occupational Outlook

  • Ohio average salary $57,000 (2016-17 stats)  nces.ed.gov

  • Overall employment for K-12l teachers is projected to grow 7-8% from 2016 to 2026, which is average for all occupations

  • During this same period, a significant number of teachers will reach retirement age, creating job openings

  • Opportunities are especially available is the areas of math, science, English as a second language, and special education

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers

Prerequisites for Admission

  • A college prep student with at least a 2.5 GPA

  • 95% or better attendance

  • Counselor recommendation

  • On track to graduate

Students with a GPA less than 2.50 MAY apply with counselor/teacher/principal recommendation.

College & Advanced Education

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College Credits

12 college credit hours available.

Students who successfully complete Teacher Academy and obtain a score of 85 or higher on the Tech Prep Teaching Professionals Portfolio can transfer course credit 3 semester hours to any state institution of higher learning.

  • Scholarship opportunities

  • Flexibility with academic class scheduling

  • College Credit Plus

Education at Edison

Edison State Community College has articulation agreements with several universities in Ohio. Students work closely with an Edison State advisor to ensure the correct courses are taken for each transfer school.  

Common courses towards all K-12 majors and all transfer schools include:

  • COM 121S: Fundamentals of Communication

  • EDU 111S (Teacher Academy)

  • EDU 213S: Exceptionalities

  • EDU 226S: Educational Psychology

  • ENG 121S: Composition I

  • ENG 122S: Composition II

  • PSY 121S: Introduction to Psychology

  • HUM 121S: Introduction to Humanities

K-3 Majors only:

  • ECE 115S: Introduction to Child Development

Programs of Study at Edison

Associates of Arts in Education

  • Early Childhood Education (K-3)

  • Special Education or Intervention

Associates of Arts or Associates of Science in Education

  • Middle School Education (4-9

  • Two focus areas from: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies

  • Secondary Education (7-12)

Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students who qualify have the opportunity to participate in one of three options for career development during their senior year. All three programs allow students to work within their career field while attending school on a modified schedule, so you they gain skills, experience and competitive wages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between the Teacher Academy (TA) and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programs?
Teacher Academy has a focus on K-12 education for the college-bound student. Observations are completed outside of the Career Center, in public school settings. The ECEC program has a focus on the care and education of children in their preschool years. 

What do you do on a daily basis?

Juniors

  • Monday, Tuesday and Thursday we are in our classroom learning and preparing lessons

  • Wednesday and Friday we are in public school classrooms working with students and teachers, teaching lessons, and learning hands-on skills that teachers need

Seniors

  • Mondays and Fridays seniors are in the classroom learning content and preparing lessons and presentations, and working on their senior portfolio

  • On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, seniors are out in public school classrooms working with teachers and students on many different levels

Can I still take some classes at my home school or Edison?
The TA schedule can accommodate academic classes (such as Math, English, Government, Choir) to be taken elsewhere. If you are a junior, you will have TA lab in the morning and then are free to take academics wherever you choose in the afternoon. If you are a senior, you will take your academics in the morning and then take TA in the afternoon.

Please contact your school counselor to discuss the available options for completing your academic classes, if you choose to complete somewhere besides the Career Center.

What will I learn in Teacher Academy?

  • You learn so many aspects of education and development.

  • You will learn about theories and philosophies of education.

  • You will learn how to make lesson plans (and then you will make them and teach them. You will do projects and  hands on work as much as possible.

  • You will learn about how children develop and become learners and citizens.

  • You will also learn a lot about yourself as a learner and a leader in the class (genius hour and growth mindset).

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