Elementary Education

NSCC offers the following associate degrees for students wanting to pursue teaching students in kindergarten through sixth grade: the Associate of Science in Teaching (K-6) and the Associate of Science or Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Elementary Education.

Associate of Science in Teaching Degree (K-6)

The Associate of Science in Teaching Degree (K-6 ) [AST-(K-6)] is a transfer degree designed for students who wish to pursue a career in elementary education, teaching children in kindergarten through sixth grade in public and private schools. The graduate with an AST (K-6) degree will have completed the first two years of a four-year degree required for teacher certification in elementary education in Tennessee.
The AST (K-6) graduate will be prepared to enter the four-year university at the junior level and be prepared to enter the university’s teacher preparation program as all coursework will transfer.

In addition to completion of 60 hours of college coursework, the AST (K-6) has further requirements which correspond to the four-year universities’ requirements for entrance into the teacher preparation program:

The AST (K-6) is recommended as the degree of choice for those planning to transfer to one of the 6 Tennessee Board of Regents universities.

See the checklist below outlining the AST (K-6) Degree requirements. It can be downloaded and printed. Note: the course requirements of the AST (K-6) should be followed explicitly as the student makes course selections each semester. Students are urged to contact their advisor for assistance.
AST (K-6) Degree Requirements Checklist (pdf)

Associate of Science Degree (AS) with an emphasis in Elementary Education and the Associate of Arts Degree (AA) with an emphasis in Elementary Education

These two parallel degrees are designed for the student who desires to work with elementary students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The graduate will have completed 60 hours of coursework that is comparable to the freshman and sophomore years of college. These two degrees recommend the same course of study as the AST (K-6) but do NOT have the three extra requirements that are part of the AST (K-6).

The difference between the AS and the AA degree is that the student earning an AA has successfully completed two years of a foreign language.

Those who plan to transfer to a non-TBR school
Those who have course work that differs from the required courses of the AST (K-6)
Those who do not complete the extra requirements of the AST (K-6)

A recommended program of study is available below and can be downloaded and printed. These recommended courses will assist students in planning and selecting courses each semester. Students are urged to contact their NSCC advisor as soon as possible and to consult the catalog of their transferring institution for specific course requirements.
Associate of Science with an Emphasis in Elementary Education Advising Sheet (pdf.)

Math Requirements for Elementary Education Majors
Math is an essential part of the educational program for elementary education majors and is one of the areas tested in the Praxis I series. For information about Math 1410 Math for Elementary Education I and Math 1420 Math for Elementary Education II, click on Elementary Math Requirements on the menu at left.

All education majors must develop a portfolio. A professional portfolio is a collection of work products (such as written papers and videotapes of teaching) from the course of a teacher-preparation program. Instructions for compiling the portfolio can be found by clicking on Professional Portfolio on the menu at left.
Passage of the Praxis I series or a score of 22 on the ACT are standard requirements for entrance to teacher education programs which usually begin at the first semester of the junior year. Students seeking an Associate of Science in Teaching must have a 22 on the ACT or pass all three Praxis I subtests in order to earn the degree.
Passage of the Disposition Assessment is a required component of an Associate of Science in Teaching Degree.
A background check will be required of all students prior to entering the teacher education program at a four-year university.

Grading Policy for Education Majors
A grade of “C” or above must be earned in all education courses prior to graduation.

Course Requirements, Course Descriptions and Class Schedules
Note: All Course Requirements are located in the catalog. Course descriptions are located in Course Descriptions. Check the current Class Schedule for course availability.