Guide to getting an associate degree in education

Aspiring preschool teachers usually complete an associate degree in education. While licensed grade and high school teachers are required to complete bachelor’s degrees, owing to the fact that they teach more advanced and structured classes, preschool learning sets the foundation for children’s growth, development, and future schooling. Preschool teachers don’t teach academic subjects. Instead, they focus on the foundational element of early childhood learning – relationships.

Children up to age 5 largely learn about the world through relationships with caregivers, teachers, and friends. The other important components of learning at this stage are play and physical activity. While it may seem like playing peek-a-boo or building a block tower with a 2-year-old are just activities to pass the time and entertain them, almost every activity small children do is ultimately for the purpose of psychomotor development.

For instance, psychologists believe that peek-a-boo is a way that young children begin forming a separate sense of self while maintaining what’s known as object constancy – the ability to maintain an emotional bond with others even through distance and conflicts. This type of learning is deeply connected to attachment styles, which in turns affect relationships and mental health throughout life.

Among other benefits, peek-a-boo also introduces the idea of turn-taking. When a child takes a turn being the one to hide, they also experience the excitement of the game from the opposite perspective, helping with emotional regulation and flexibility. Who knew all that was going on in a simple game of peek-a-boo?

Associate degrees in education are also sought by those wishing to work as grade or high school teaching assistants, or in other supportive classroom roles. Some choose this degree as a stepping stone towards being a licensed elementary of high school teacher, as it’s possible to begin working in the field with an associate degree while finishing further coursework towards a bachelor’s.

Associate in education program basics

An associate degree in education provides basic training for entering the education field. It is a good first step towards a teaching career. Many associate degrees in education are focused on pre-kindergarten/preschool early childhood education, since teaching in public schools from kindergarten onwards requires at least a bachelor’s degree in all states. It is also possible to transfer to a 4-year program once you’ve completed an associate degree. If you can arrange for your associate degree credits to be transferred, a 4-year degree can be completed in less time.

» Read: Why earning a degree at a community college is beneficial 

What can you do with an associate in education?

An associate degree in education qualifies you for work as a paraeducator in the public school system, in roles such as teaching assistant or teacher’s aide. Working as a teacher in a state-funded or private childcare facility or preschool is the other common career pursued by holders of this degree. Note that some states require a bachelor’s of education, or a general bachelor’s degree, to work as a licensed preschool teacher.

Educational requirements for preschool teachers are highly inconsistent between states and even between different schools. Preschool programs can be funded at the federal, state, or local level, and many set their own requirements. Be sure to explore your state requirements, as well as the requirements of the schools you are interested in working for.

Should you get an associate in education?

If you are interested in being a preschool teacher or paraeducator in the public-school setting, an associate degree in education may be an excellent choice. Be aware that around 71% of teaching aides work in the public elementary and secondary school system, with the rest evenly split between assisting in childcare services and private elementary and secondary schools.

The role of teaching assistants is primarily supportive – helping the teacher with various tasks and classroom management. Preschool teachers often have more authority and responsibility, meaning they usually need to be comfortable with leadership and independence. However, many preschools are organized with a bachelor or master’s-level teacher in charge of a classroom, and associate-level teachers aiding and assisting.

Many of the traits required of teachers are common across teaching roles, including; integrity, self-control, communicativeness, and concern for others. Instructing younger children usually requires patience, as well as a propensity for interacting with pre-verbal and very young children more interested in exploring the world than following guidelines.

The other important consideration when choosing a degree is economic. Below you can view a short-term comparison between the entire associate degree market and an associate in education. It is a snapshot of earnings 2 years after graduation. Keep in mind that things change over years of employment, as experience and expertise grow.

The initial earnings with an associate in education can be discouraging when compared to other associate degrees. While part of the reason behind this is certainly connected to systemic issues such as government under-funding in education and low teacher wages, an associate degree is entry-level training in education (except for preschool teachers). In other fields, such as nursing, web development, or dental hygiene, an associate can be a terminal degree, which is reflected in significantly higher wages.

How to pick an associate in education program

Accreditation refers to a degree meeting national academic standards and being officially designated as such. Enrolling in an accredited program qualifies students for federal financial aid and future licensure, while also assuring future employers that graduates have the skills and training needed to practice with their degree.

Look for schools with regional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and approved by the relevant state board of education. Other accrediting bodies for teacher preparation programs include:

• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)
• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)

Even if your initial plan is to work in a private school setting and you do not think you will pursue a bachelor of education and full teaching license, attending an accredited school ensures you leave the door open for changing your mind in the future.

Fully online associate degrees in education are about as common as other online associate degrees. However, a significantly larger proportion of campus associate degrees in education programs are taught without any online components, compared to other in-person associate degrees. Part of the explanation could be that fully online programs are newer, whereas some of the more established programs have not begun offering optional online components.

How much does an associate in education cost?

Some of the most expensive associate degrees in education are in Virginia, where earnings are also below the national average, at $15,695. Earnings are similarly low in Mississippi, but with far more affordable programs available. Programs in California are more affordable, but still more expensive than most other states. However, earnings are about equal to the national average.

Rhode Island offers very affordable programs, with significantly higher salaries than the national average, at $27,874.

Associate degrees in education obtained at public colleges are significantly more affordable than private colleges, while leading to only slightly lower earnings.

Financial aid and scholarships for education majors

As with most degree programs, the first steps in applying for most types of aid involve filling out the FAFSA form on the Federal Student Aid website. Arrange a meeting with the student financial aid service at your chosen college to uncover options that are provided by the school, or that you may be unaware of.

What to expect from an associate in education program

The coursework in a 2-year associate degree in education introduces the educational, social, and developmental aspects of teaching. It can equip you with the foundational knowledge needed for introductory careers in the education or child development field.

What are the admission requirements for an associate in education?

Common admission requirements for an associate in education include a high school diploma or GED and a copy of your official identification. When you apply at a community college, applications are often processed quickly. If applying to an associate program at the university level, there may be additional requirements. Your transcripts, with a minimum GPA of 2.0, standardized test scores like the ACT or SAT, letters of recommendation, and personal statement are generally required.

How long does it take to get an associate in education?

An associate degree in education takes about 2 years to complete.

Teacher’s assistant licensure or preschool teacher licensure

To work in most public schools and state-funded preschools, licensure or a permit are required for both teacher’s aides and preschool teachers. Requirements vary substantially between states, and even between different types of institutions and childcare programs in the same state. It is important to check your state’s specific requirements when choosing a degree.

Conclusion

There are several paths to a teaching career, but an associate in education may be one of the shortest. While this degree does not quality you for licensure as K-12 teacher, it does open the doors to paraeducational roles. For those wishing to become K-12 teachers, a bachelor’s of education is the next logical step after an associate degree.

If you’re interested in a career as a preschool teacher, an associate in education is the minimum requirement in most states. In states that require a bachelor’s, an associate can be completed first, followed by work as an assistant or in childcare while you finish further schooling. Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow by 18% from 2020 to 2030, which is almost double the average for all occupations. Although preschool teachers do not earn high salaries, they are almost always in high demand.