Dynamic Learning Teacher Education Program at South Mountain Community College
The award-winning, nationally recognized Dynamic Learning Teacher Education Program at South Mountain Community College prepares future teachers to become experts in creating exciting and effective learning environments and leaders in their fields. It provides students with the necessary general studies courses, internships in public schools, and classroom experiences for a smooth transition into Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and University of Arizona. The courses in this program lead to degrees in:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Multilingual & Multicultural Education
The unique features of this program include:
Community Partnerships
Dynamic Learning students benefit from the program’s long-standing, strong partnerships with local elementary and high schools.
- Field placement/internships and special projects provide students with real-life, hands-on experience.
- Working closely with mentor teachers and principals, students observe classrooms, keep journals, plan lessons, tutor, and develop projects.
- Projects include developing after-school programs, planning book fairs, working on science and math fairs, and working as team leaders for 7th and 8th graders learning about the environment.
University Partnerships
Partnerships with universities provide support for transfer students.
- For the past ten years, Dynamic Learning has had a strong partnership with the College of Education at Arizona State University. ASU provides personalized advising for students in the program, information sessions, tours of ASU, and a spring conference featuring former Dynamic Learning students and ASU faculty.
- In the Fall of 2007, Northern Arizona University is opening a building at SMCC which will house an elementary education program that builds on the students’ first two years with Dynamic Learning.
Learning Community
Dynamic Learning students benefit by moving through the four semesters of classes with other students who have chosen education as a profession.
- Instruction reflects a shift from teacher-centered classes to a cooperative, engaging learning experience.
- Students have the opportunity to form alliances and friendships, giving each other support at SMCC and at the university.
- Some classes are taught at the Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, giving students the opportunity to use museums, the library and other downtown resources to enhance their learning.
- Some classes are taught in blocks, allowing time for developing relevant projects and other field work.
- Students work closely with faculty and professional staff for intensive advising and assistance.
The Dynamic Learning Teacher Education Program is committed to preparing highly skilled education professionals who are culturally sensitive, understand the unique needs and styles of individual learners, have the ability to respond creatively to change, and are aware of the role of schools in promoting social justice.
Early Childhood Development at South Mountain
Community College
Regular Certificate of Completion and AAS Degree:
This program is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are interested in working in early childhood. The program emphasizes working with multi linguistic and multicultural children. Upon completion, students will be equipped to work effectively with children and families in Head Start programs, child care centers and as family homecare providers. The courses promote both the improvement of existing skills as well as the source of career upward movement. Classes offered also fulfill the requirements for those wishing to apply for the national CDA certification. Courses are offered on Saturdays or evenings to accommodate working students.
Montessorri Certification Program
The Montessori Teacher Education program is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching early childhood in Montessori schools. We offer a professional teacher education program affiliated with a nationally recognized certification program and the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Completion in Early Childhood Development/Montessori. Students may continue academic work for an AAS degree in Early Childhood Development/Montessori. Upon the completion of the program, students will be equipped to work effectively with children and families in both school and home environments, and to initiate upward career movement or improve existing skills.
Courses are taken in sequence over a two year period and are offered in the evenings or on Saturdays at the SMCC campus or at local Montessori schools.
Visit the Class Schedule and/or Register Online page for information
Courses are taken in sequence over a two year period and are offered in the evenings or on Saturdays at the SMCC campus or at local Montessori schools.
Visit the Class Schedule and/or Register Online page for information pertaining to courses in any of the above programs available during a particular semester.
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