The Teacher Education Program is designed to provide graduates the educational background needed to pursue careers in childcare centers, preschools, elementary, middle and secondary schools. Graduates of the Teacher Education Program will meet the licensing requirements for an administrator as specified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Licensing rule. Candidates have the applicable educational background to transfer into baccalaureate programs in Early Childhood (PK-3), Middle Childhood (4-9), Secondary (10-12), or Intervention Specialist (Special Education).

 Entering the Teacher Education Associate’s Degree Program requires that the candidate:

• Has received a high school diploma, GED certificate, or has completed an approved home school program

 Once a candidate has been accepted into the Teacher Education Program, the candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (GPA for transfer depends upon transferring institution)
• Demonstrate the professional attributes of an educator when working with children and fellow educators, i.e. professional appearance, responsibility, teamwork
• Compile the professional   portfolio required for graduation
• Complete all course requirements for graduation

 Upon successful completion of the program, students will enter the education profession with the following attributes:

• Communication skills focusing on effective written and oral communications in an educational setting with parents, fellow educational professionals and community and business leaders
• Knowledge needed to identify, assess, and assist with the education of a diverse student population
• Working foundation of the historical, philosophical, theoretical, and legal issues of education
• Practical professional skills to assist in the establishment and maintenance of an effective, productive, and safe educational setting
• Personal ethical standards and professional practices used by successful education professionals

 The Ohio Department of Education has accredited Eastern Gateway’s program to offer a two-year associate degree license. Articulation agreements between Eastern Gateway Community College and northeastern Ohio four-year colleges have been formulated to allow for easy transition from the completion of the Teacher Education program to a baccalaureate education program. These specific articulation agreements ensure that all credits earned at Eastern Gateway Community College will transfer directly to a four-year baccalaureate program.  Qualifying students may apply for the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship.