Helps Students Grow as Learners and Thinkers

More than just learning concepts of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, elementary school children are learning important social, emotional, and critical thinking skills that will prepare them for future education in middle school, high school, and beyond.

Elementary school teachers help children understand how to think about the world, ask questions, and apply new knowledge to solve problems.

As an elementary school teacher, you will work closely with students in their classroom, with hands-on projects, demonstrations, and independent work to educate them on a variety of topics. You will prepare lessons, grade tests and assignments, communicate with parents/caregivers, and set and enforce rules for behavior in the classroom.

2
Years to Complete
(full-time student)
15:1
Student-Faculty
Ratio
$10,000
Tuition
(in-county)

What Can I Do With This Degree?

In order to become an elementary school teacher, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education or a similar teaching degree program at a four-year college or university.

The Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education A.A.T. degree will cover the first two years of a teacher education program. From here, you will be able to transfer to a Maryland four-year school to complete your degree.

The Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education A.A.T. degree program is for students who:

  • Plan to transfer to a Maryland four-year college to complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education
  • Want to become elementary school teachers or early childhood special education teachers
  • Are interested in completing the first two years of an early childhood teacher education program

When you complete this program, you will know how to:

  • Understand the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children from infancy through adolescence, children with disabilities, and children who are from diverse backgrounds
  • Understand history and current trends in early childhood education
  • Develop learning strategies for children that meets their developmental stage
  • Use appropriate strategies in observing and working with children.
  • Understand how children learn read, write, speak, and listen
  • Understand the history and laws related to services for children with special needs, and help children and their families get the help they need.
  • Understand how cultural and social contexts affect learning to create a welcoming environment for all children
  • Use basic concepts and tools to create activities that help children learn and grow, suitable for their age and abilities.
  • Think about and reflect on teaching experiences to improve instruction and behavior management.
  • Use existing knowledge and new learning to write, speak, think, and problem-solve in teaching.
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior.
  • Understand the nature of human knowledge from a variety of cultures and historical periods.
Students and staff sit around table and projector during a workshop

With real-world professional experience, a hands-on approach to learning, and excellent departmental collaboration, we’re committed to your education - and your career.

Let’s Get Started!

Follow the steps outlined here to get started in this program. We know the process can feel overwhelming, and we want you to know that we’re here to help! Please call or email us if you have any questions, whatsoever. It’s what we’re here for!

Apply Online

Completing our online application is always the first step. Chesapeake is an open admissions institution, with start dates in spring, summer, fall and winter. If you’re planning on attending during traditional fall or spring semesters, make sure to allow your self time to complete the necessary steps outlined here in advance. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with additional details (check in your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox).

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It’s never too early to explore the many financial aid and scholarship options available to you. Regardless of your financial situation, it is so important to first complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows us to offer you the greatest possible amount of financial aid. Once your FAFSA is complete, be sure to apply for scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation. One application opens up the door to hundreds of potential scholarships.

Placement & Transcripts

We now offer many ways to “place” into courses. These include GPA, high school standardized testing and the ACCUPLACER placement exam. Find out if you need to schedule placement testing (exemptions listed here). If so, please don’t worry! We want you to succeed, and together we can get you positioned for achieving your goals. Contact [email protected] to get a testing slip. Then, request that your high school send your official transcript to the Chesapeake College Registration office. In the meantime, you may use an unofficial transcript to work with an Academic Advisor.

Advise & Register

Meet with an Academic Advisor to select courses in your program, and to register for the upcoming semester. If you are planning to transfer to a specific four-year school after graduation, it’s important to start the conversations early! Our advisors are here to help, every step of the way.

Pay & Prep

Pay either at the time of registration, or by the due date on your bill. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $100. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class by attending a New Student Orientation session.

  • 1

    Apply Online

    Completing our online application is always the first step. Chesapeake is an open admissions institution, with start dates in spring, summer, fall and winter. If you’re planning on attending during traditional fall or spring semesters, make sure to allow your self time to complete the necessary steps outlined here in advance. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with additional details (check in your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox).

  • 2

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

    It’s never too early to explore the many financial aid and scholarship options available to you. Regardless of your financial situation, it is so important to first complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows us to offer you the greatest possible amount of financial aid. Once your FAFSA is complete, be sure to apply for scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation. One application opens up the door to hundreds of potential scholarships.

  • 3

    Placement & Transcripts

    We now offer many ways to “place” into courses. These include GPA, high school standardized testing and the ACCUPLACER placement exam. Find out if you need to schedule placement testing (exemptions listed here). If so, please don’t worry! We want you to succeed, and together we can get you positioned for achieving your goals. Contact [email protected] to get a testing slip. Then, request that your high school send your official transcript to the Chesapeake College Registration office. In the meantime, you may use an unofficial transcript to work with an Academic Advisor.

  • 4

    Advise & Register

    Meet with an Academic Advisor to select courses in your program, and to register for the upcoming semester. If you are planning to transfer to a specific four-year school after graduation, it’s important to start the conversations early! Our advisors are here to help, every step of the way.

  • 5

    Pay & Prep

    Pay either at the time of registration, or by the due date on your bill. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $100. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class by attending a New Student Orientation session.

equipped for the FUTURE

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Chesapeake’s degrees transfer where you want to go.

If specific transfer agreements for this program are in place, they will be listed below.
Not seeing your dream university listed here? No worries! Chances are, we can create a transfer agreement specific to your needs. Our advisors will help you plan every credit on your way to your bachelor’s degree.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for many of our institutional scholarships. Complete one application, and be considered for hundreds of potential scholarships. Make sure to complete your FAFSA as well to receive as much funding as possible.

An elementary education/elementary special education associates degree can help open the door to your next career. Scroll through the options here to explore education and child development careers, including projected growth in our five-county service area, and average salary information.

you belong HERE

Build your skills outside the classroom—join one of our clubs and organizations, or create your own!

Alpha Delta Nu – Nursing Honor Society

An invitation only honors society for nurses.

Astronomy Club

Calling all Stargazers!

Game Club

Relax and recharge at game club meet-ups!

Hispanic/Latino Student Union

Encourage others and celebrate culture in the Hispanic/Latino Student Union.

InterVarsity

Build each other up in faith and life at InterVarsity Club.

IPMS Club

Come join our local chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society - a plastic modeling club that learns from the past with eyes on the future!

Kappa Delta Pi

What do Albert Einstien, George Washington Carver, and Eleanor Roosevelt all have in common? They were members of KAPPA DELTA PI, the community of educators dedicated to excellence, scholarship, and service!

Peake Players

Come join us on the mainstage! Peake Players welcomes and trains all actors to perform in a faculty-directed production.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier international honor society for two-year colleges.

Pride Club
Rad Tech Club

Rad Tech Club - for Chesapeake Rad Tech students!

Student Athletic Advisory Council

The SAAC represents the voices of student-athletes at Chesapeake College.

Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC)

The Student Athletic Advisory Council represents the student-athletes’ voice at Chesapeake College.

Student Government Association

Be a part of planning campus events and have a voice in College policy with the SGA!

Student Mental Health Organization

Be a part of prioritizing student mental health!

Student Nursing Organization

The Student Nursing Organization cultivates community, leadership skills, and self-direction for Chesapeake Nursing students!

Surgical Tech Club

Surgical Tech students can experience additional learning opportunities and social events!

UHURU

UHURU works to promote and preserve the history and culture of African Americans, and unity among the diverse student body at large.

Writing Club

Brainstorm, share ideas and connect with fellow scribblers!

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