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Contact an Education Advisor

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: 

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(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.

Early Childhood Education Transfer Track

(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. 

Elementary Teacher - AA University Transfer Track

Secondary Education  (Grades 7-12, Content Specializations)

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(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.

English Teacher Education Transfer Track

(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.

Middle School Science Education Transfer Track

(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. 

Health Education Transfer Track

(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.

Mathematics Education Transfer Track

(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.

Social Studies Education Transfer Track

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.

(SPAT - AA) -- Associate in Arts in Spanish Language Teacher Education

This is a 60-credit-hour program designed as a transfer degree to a four-year university. This transfer track prepares students for careers in teaching and become certified to teach the Spanish language at the middle and high school levels.

English Teacher Education Transfer Track

(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.

Special Education Transfer Track

(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. This program covers K-12 grades.

Physical Education Transfer Track

Teaching Internship Certification (Grades K-12, excludes ESE)

Associates in Arts in Any Educational Area (excluding ESE)

The State of Florida has recently approved a new pathway to teaching certification specifically designed for individuals with Associate of Arts (A.A.) degrees. This pathway opens avenues for aspiring classroom teachers who have not yet obtained a bachelor's degree. Students earn their temporary certification, begin employment at a school, and continue their studies at a state college or university with junior standing.

(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. 

Paraprofessional to Teacher AA Transfer Track

 Each program is unique and designed with a specific purpose to meet your needs.

Children in classroom

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.

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.