Elementary Education

If you’re excited by the idea of helping students gain new skills and abilities, consider starting a rewarding career in education. The Aims elementary and secondary education associate of arts degree with designation is designed for students who will go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The 60 credits you earn at Aims will transfer to participating Colorado four-year colleges and universities where you’ll enter the bachelor’s program as a junior. 

To pursue a career in education starting at Aims you will need to identify your four-year transfer institution as early as possible. Elementary and secondary education students are required to pursue a bachelor’s degree and because programs vary among Colorado Universities, early declaration will help ensure you earn all required credits during your two years at Aims.

If you want to teach at the middle and high school level, you can complete your first two years of general education and specific content courses at Aims - whether you decide to teach math, science, language arts or another area of focus. These courses will transfer to a four-year university and allow you to continue your coursework for secondary education licensure. Students should consult with both education and content area advisors at Aims.

Your education degree courses build your knowledge and skills to prepare you to transfer to a four-year program where you’ll complete your bachelor’s degree and ultimately go on to work teaching in the classroom. You will learn how to create a classroom that makes students feel safe and included while fostering an environment that stimulates their minds and invites them to ask questions and discuss ideas. 

The philosophical and educational framework that guides the elementary and secondary education associate degree program at Aims is grounded in developmentally appropriate practices including:

• Child development
• Classroom management
• Observation skills
• Interpersonal communication
• Critical thinking
• Pedagogical theory and practice
• Lesson planning
• Supporting different learning styles

The elementary and secondary education associate degree program at Aims also teaches soft skills that are important to employers. These include listening, communication, time management, self-care, and critical thinking, all skills that can help you enter the bachelor’s program prepared to succeed.