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Fall 2025 - Summer 2026 Academic Catalog

Teaching Assistant Certificate

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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 2025 to Summer 2026. 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 program at SUNY Westchester Community College offers a strong foundation for those looking to support student learning in public and private school settings. This program prepares students to provide instructional support under the supervision of licensed teachers, making a meaningful impact in diverse classrooms. Through coursework in education, psychology, child development, and special education, students gain essential skills for working with children from various backgrounds and abilities. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce as teaching assistants and can apply credits toward further studies in education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

  1. Articulate pedagogical values rooted in educational philosophy and a strengths-based perspective of children and families.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of teaching practices that support children of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
  3. Demonstrate understanding of issues and policies in education and will evaluate trends in today’s schools.

Accreditation

SUNY WCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.  https://www.sunywcc.edu/about/accreditation/

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 Seminar  3
ENG 102 - Writing and Literature  3
MATH 123 - Math for Elementary School Teachers   3
PSYCH 232 - Child Development  3
Semester Total Credits 15

Minimum Total Credits: 27

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