Educational Careers

Course Title 

Educational Careers (13.0000) 

National Career Cluster: Education and Training 

 Michigan Career Pathway: Human Services 

Instructor(s) 

Gina Rios 
517.244.1466 

Credentials 

BA Elementary Education – Spring Arbor College 

MA Educational Technology – Central Michigan University 

CTE Endorsement - Ferris State University 

Types of Credit 

3rd Year Science 

4th Year Math 

Visual Performing & Applied Arts 

Second World Language 

*English 150  

*English 250 

Articulation Agreement and Direct Credit 

Ferris State University (additional Dual Enrollment and Early Middle College options available) 

Credentials Earned 

Child Development Associate (CDA) 

Michigan Youth Development Associate (MI-YDA)  

Program Description 

The Educational Careers program will help students prepare for an exciting future career in positions ranging from Childcare Workers, Childcare Directors, Head Start or Preschool Teachers, Paraprofessionals, K-12 Teachers, Principals, Counselors, Coaches, Youth Activity Coordinators, and Parks and Rec Leaders, just to name a few. Some careers in this field will be possible after immediate completion of the program and others will require additional training and education.  

Students in this program will take two one-year courses where they will learn about key components in the education and childcare fields including child development, classroom management, and lesson and activity design. In addition, students will have the opportunity to observe and participate in classroom settings, putting their learning into action. They will be paired with a mentor teacher in a field placement for a student teaching opportunity to utilize their training in a real-world setting.  

1st YEAR STUDENTS 

First year students will learn about the career opportunities within the childcare and school systems. All students will receive 250+ hours of instruction regarding the critical knowledge needed to be successful in these fields, including child development, classroom management, teaching practices, assessment, and family communication. By October, all first-year students will choose from 1 of 3 pathways to focus their learning and experiences on. The three pathways are Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary. Once students have chosen a pathway, they will be paired with a mentor teacher within their age group focus to complete a field placement with. All first-year students will spend 1 day each week beginning in October within their mentor’s teacher’s classroom making observations, helping with activities, and working with the students. Beginning in January all first-year students will spend 2 days each week in the field with their mentor teacher. All students will use both their instructional time and field experience to create a portfolio that will document their progress toward CDA and MI-YDA completion. 

2nd YEAR STUDENTS 

Second year students will spend most of their time working in the field. They will have the opportunity to participate in up to three different field placements throughout the year depending on their future career interests. Second year students will begin working in these field placements in September and spend 4 days each week with their mentor teacher. Greater responsibility within the classroom will be given to second year students. They will teach lessons, work with small groups, and analyze assessment data to direct further instruction. Second year students will spend 1 day each week with their Wilson Talent Center instructor. This time will be used to reflect, plan, and continue to work on their professional portfolios. By the end of their second year, students will have completed the requirements for their MI-YDA and CDA and will complete the application process. Within the second-year students will also focus on career and college applications as well as scholarship and leadership opportunities. 

Universal Learning