Ms. Amanda Manning
Instructional Coordinator for Education Programs
Social Sciences, Room 229
850.872.5511, extension 2869
amanning3@gulfcoast.edu
Education
At Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, students can choose from several Education programs:
(CHLD-AA) Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education
This is a 60-credit-hour program designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track prepares the student for a career teaching children aged birth to eight years. As a teacher, you'll be able to shape future generations by providing high quality learning opportunities.
You will learn about growth and development, the learning environment, communication, and legal and professional responsibilities in early childcare. This degree prepares you to assume major caregiving, education and/or managerial responsibilities.
(EDUc - AA) -- Associate in Arts in elementary teacher education
This is a 60-credit-hour program designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track prepares the student for a career of teaching kindergarten through grade six. As a teacher, you'll be able to shape future generations by providing high quality learning opportunities. Elementary education teachers lead students as they learn about a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, history, language arts, and science. Aspiring elementary education students must complete professional field-based programs and gain experience with designing curricula and teaching classes. The program is structured for transfer to a four-year institution, leading to Florida teacher certification for kindergarten to sixth grade.
According to the 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the national median annual salary for K-6 teachers was $61,350.00 per year. Employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because of projected increases in student enrollment. Employment may vary by region.
Secondary Education (Grades 7-12, Content Specializations)
(ETCH - AA) -- Associate in Arts in English Teacher Education
This is a 60-credit-hour program designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track prepares the student for a career in the English education programs and become certified to teach English at the middle school and high school levels.
(SCMD - AA) -- Associate in Arts in Middle School Science Education
This university transfer track is designed to prepare students for upper division studies in science education suitable for teaching in middle schools. The completion of the four-year education program designed for this grade level will lead to Florida certification in middle school science. Students may have additional requirements for admission to a teacher-preparatory program.
(HLTH - AA) -- Associate in Arts in Health Education
This is a 60-credit-hour program designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track prepares the student for a career in health education or other health related fields such as health management, counseling, nutrition, and community health. This transfer track degree will lead to Florida teacher certification in teaching health education.
(MEDU - AA) -- Associate in Arts in Mathematic Education
This is a 60-credit-hour program designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track degree will lead to Florida teacher certification in teaching secondary school mathematics. Math Education is a limited access program at most Florida Universities.
(PE - AA) -- Associate in Arts in Physical Education
This is a 60-credit-hour program designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track degree will lead to Florida teacher certification in Physical Education.
(SSED - AA) -- Social Studies Education
This is a 60-credit-hour program designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track degree will lead to Florida teacher certification in Social Studies Education.
Science Education -- Associate in Arts Programs
These university transfer tracks are designed to prepare students for upper division studies in one of several fields in science education. The completion of the four-year program in science education will lead to Florida certification in high school science. Students may have additional requirements for admission to a teacher-preparatory program.
- (SCED-AA) -- Biology Component
This is a 60-credit-hour program, designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track degree will lead to Florida teacher certification in Biology in Secondary Education.- (SCHM-AA) -- Chemistry ComponentThis is a 60-credit-hour program, designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track degree will lead to Florida teacher certification in Chemistry in Secondary Education.
- (SEAR-AA) -- Earth/Space ComponentThis is a 60-credit-hour program, designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track degree will lead to Florida teacher certification in Earth/Space Science in Secondary Education.
- (SPHY-AA) --Physics ComponentsThis is a 60-credit-hour program, designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track degree will lead to Florida teacher certification in Physics in Secondary Education.
(Case - AA) - Associate in Arts in Special Education
This is a 60-credit-hour program designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track will prepare you to teach children or adults with learning disabilities and will also give you the knowledge and tools to prepare individual education plans to meet the needs of each student. This transfer track into a four-year institution will lead to Florida teacher certification in Special Education. If you're creative, patient and want a challenging and fulfilling career that offers limitless rewards, then a career as a Special Education teacher may be the right choice for you. to Florida teacher certification
Many career options are available to you including child care worker, preschool teacher, principal, school counselor, special education teacher and teacher's aide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the national median pay for special education teachers with a bachelor's degree in 2020 was $61,500.00 per year. Jobs for special education teachers are expected to increase by 8% from 2020 to 2030.
(EDUC - AA) - Associate in arts Paraprofessional to Teacher
P2T is a 60-credit-hour program designed for paraprofessionals currently working in local school districts. Special experiential learning courses allow student to gain college credit while working in the classroom. Upon completing their AA degrees, students then transfer to a university to work toward the BA in education and State of Florida Teaching Certificate.
Each program is unique and designed with a specific purpose to meet your needs.
Social Sciences - Education
There are many reasons to teach - social, philanthropic, economic, diplomatic - and each one is compelling. If you (or someone you care about) benefited from the instruction and care of an outstanding teacher, you understand the impact a great teacher can have on a student's life.
A career in education brings immeasurable gratification and a deep sense of accomplishments because teachers make such a profound difference- for whom, how, and where you make that difference is up to you.
To enroll in any of these Education programs, you must be able to obtain a background clearance by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.