2024-2025 Pierce College Catalog
Paraeducation (AAS-T) Course Map
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Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides you a clear path to complete your degree by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets degree requirements. Courses are organized in a recommended sequence; please schedule accordingly. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time.
While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the Associate in Applied Science - Transfer Paraeducation, you are responsible for fulfilling all degree requirements.
Questions? Your Success Network is ready to help you!
Specialized Program Requirements
To be eligible for practicum courses in the program students must have a cleared Washington State Patrol background check and follow the school district’s volunteer requirements.
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2. Paraeducator Basics
- EDUC& 101 Paraeducator Basics (3 credits)
Course purpose: Paraeducators need basic skills in techniques supporting instruction, professional and ethical practices, positive and safe learning environments, effective communication and teamwork to effectively support teachers and students in the classroom.
Action Item: Meet with Advisor
Use your Success Network! In your first quarter, meet with your advisor to revisit your career and transfer path, make adjustments to your goals as needed, and plan for your next steps.
5. Introduction to Education
7. Introduction to Inclusive Education
8. Diversity in Education
9. English Composition I
- ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers are expected to teach English language arts. This course prepares students with content knowledge needed to teach English language in K-8 settings. Note: Your advisor will assist you in reviewing your Guided Self Placement and selecting either the 5-credit or the 7-credit co-requisite ENGL& 101 + ENGLC 101 course.
10. Math for Elem Educ 1: Number Systems & Problem Solving
- MATH& 131 Math for Elementary Education 1 (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers are expected to teach mathematical concepts. This course prepares students with content knowledge needed to teach math in K-8 settings. Note: The math course you select will depend on the Career Pathway Map you are following, the transfer institution/degree that you select, and your math placement guidance. Your advisor will assist you in selecting the relevant 5 or 7 credit course(s) based upon co-requisite options.
11. Introduction to Psychology
Action Item: Transfer Plan
- Meet with your advisor to discuss potential transfer options if this is in your plan.
- Meet with an advisor at your transfer institution to ensure you have all the prerequisites for your program of study on your education plan. Also, ask about the application process and deadlines for both the university and the school of education.
12. Pacific Northwest History
13. Communications Course Recommendation
Choose one
- CMST& 101 Introduction to Communications (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need to be effective oral communicators in the classroom and working with parents and co-workers. This course provides a broad overview of communication. - CMST& 220 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need to be effective oral communicators in the classroom and working with parents and co-workers. This course focused on public speaking. - CMST& 230 Small Group Communication (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need to be effective oral communicators in the classroom and working with parents and co-workers. This course focuses on small group communication which is how a lot of instruction happens in elementary schools and is essential on your grade level team. - CMST& 240 Intercultural Communication (5 credits)
Course purpose: The examination of the effects of culture upon the process of communication. Using theory and skill development, students are prepared to communicate effectively both within and across cultures.
14. Philosophy Course Recommendation
Choose one
- PHIL 150 Introduction to Ethics (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers are faced with a variety of ethical dilemmas. These courses build the foundation on how to navigate those difficult decisions. - PHIL& 115 Critical Thinking (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers are working with the diverse population of our society. This course explores critical thinking including how to mitigate bias and identify flawed arguments.
Action Item: GPA Check
Are you on track to meeting the GPA requirement at your transfer institution?
15. Natural Science Course Recommendation
Choose one
- NSCI 150 Nature (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need a broad foundation of science skills, including life sciences. This course explores local plants and animals which helps to teach to the Next Generation Science Standards. - BIOL& 100 Survey of Biology (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need a broad foundation of science skills, including life sciences. This course provides a broad overview of biology which helps to teach to the Next Generation Science Standards. - ANTH& 205 Biological Anthropology (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need a broad foundation of science skills, including life sciences. This course explores evaluation, genetics, scientific classification, and human variation which helps to teach to the Next Generation Science Standards.
16. Social Science Course Recommendation
Choose one
- SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need an understanding of systemic issues impacting education today, including sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and social stratification. This course provides broad overview of sociology which is the study of society and human interaction. - SOC& 201 Social Problems (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need an understanding of systemic issues impacting education today, including sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and social stratification. This course explores some of the socioculturally defined problems today. - SOC 235 Race and Ethnicity (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need an understanding of systemic issues impacting education today, including sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and social stratification. This course explores race and ethnicity in contemporary society. - ANTH& 106 American Mosaic (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need an understanding of systemic issues impacting education today, including sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and social stratification. This class explores multiculturalism in the US and various aspects of social identity.
17. Humanities Course Recommendation
Choose one
- ART 215 Art for Teachers (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers may be responsible for meeting the art standards in their classrooms. This course builds content knowledge and has some methodology. - ART 101 Beginning Design (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers may be responsible for meeting the art standards in their classrooms. This course builds content knowledge. - ENGL 207 Native American Literatures (5 credits)
Course purpose: This course builds content knowledge in English Language Arts to support the Common Course State Standards. It also complements the Since Time Immemorial curriculum which is taught in all Washington State elementary schools. - ENGL 210 Multicultural American Literature (5 credits)
Course purpose: This course builds content knowledge in English Language Arts to support the Common Course State Standards. It also provides an opportunity to explore multicultural American literature which will help address the Eurocentric focus that is common in elementary curriculum.
Action Item: Meet with Advisor
Meet with advisor to discuss practicum placement.
18. Natural Science Course Recommendation
Choose one
- ASTR& 100 Survey of Astronomy (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need a broad foundation of science skills, including physical sciences, to teach to the Next Generation Science Standards. This course focuses on the solar system. - PS 101 Introduction to Physical Science (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need a broad foundation of science skills, including physical sciences, to teach to the Next Generation Science Standards. This course also includes some earth science content and covers physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy. - PHYS& 110 Physics for Non-Science Majors (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need a broad foundation of science skills, including physical sciences, to teach to the Next Generation Science Standards. This course is a broad overview of physics in everyday life.
19. Humanities Course Recommendation
Choose one
20. Natural Science Course Recommendation
Choose one
- GEOL 107 Exploring Earth Science (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need a broad foundation of science skills, including earth sciences, to teach to the Next Generation Science Standards. This course is a broad overview of earth science topics. - GEOL& 101 Introduction to Physical Geology (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need a broad foundation of science skills, including earth sciences, to teach to the Next Generation Science Standards. This course is a broad focuses on rocks and minerals. - OCEA& 101 Intro to Oceanography (5 credits)
Course purpose: Teachers need a broad foundation of science skills, including earth sciences, to teach to the Next Generation Science Standards. This course examines all aspects of the marine environment.
ctcLink Plan Code: TEAPAAPT
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