Teaching Assistant Certificate

School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Education and Human Services
HEGIS: 5503

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description

The Teaching Assistant certificate provides an opportunity for teaching assistants and other individuals interested in childhood education to begin their higher education in a gradual and supportive manner and to meet the new state and/or federal requirements. For some individuals, this will be the first step in a process for obtaining a baccalaureate degree and teaching certification.

This certificate will prepare students to complete the NY state certification requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Articulate pedagogical values rooted in a strengths-based perspective of children and families.
Demonstrate understanding of teaching practices that support children of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Demonstrate understanding of issues and policies in education and will evaluate trends in today’s schools.
Demonstrate competency and broad foundational knowledge in the general education curriculum as required by Westchester Community College.

Program Note

Students are encouraged to apply early due to an extraordinary demand.

Program Requirements

Required Courses - 27 credits

Program Map

The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

Semester 1

Course	Credits
EDU 101 - Foundations of Education	3
EDU 103 - Teaching in Today’s Diverse Classroom	3
ENG 101 - Writing and Research	3
PSYCH 101 - Introduction to Psychology	3
Semester Total Credits	12

Semester 2

Course	Credits
EDU 200 - Special Education: Contemporary Perspectives	3
EDU 202 - Elementary Education Practicum and Field Study	3
ENG 102 - Writing and Literature	3
MATH 123 - Math for Elementary School Teachers	3
PSYCH 109 - Child Development	3
Semester Total Credits	15

Minimum Total Credits: 27

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Teaching Assistant Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

Career Opportunities

Visit Career Coach to explore career paths, job descriptions, salary trends, and job trends.

Visit the Career Services page for more career resources.