Teacher Academy
The Teacher Academy is a program designed for students planning to major in education at a post-secondary college or university after high school. The goal of this program is to give students hands-on experience in the classroom and a solid foundation in the world of education so they confidently enter college and pursue their advanced degree.
Beginning with the 2019-20 school year, Teacher Academy classes will be held at Edison State Community College, adjacent to the Upper Valley Career Center.
Hands-On Education
In the Classroom
Observation and participation hours
Spend three days weekly in area elementary, middle, or high schools
Help students and assist teachers
Receive instruction in child and adolescent development
Learn theory, techniques, classroom management
Visit: Urbana University, Miami University, Capital University, and Sinclair Community College
Participate in Educators Rising State Competitions
Skills for the Future
College prep skills
Critical thinking skills
Develop a professional portfolio to document achievements and experiences
Classroom management, lesson planning, and designing a productive learning environment
Interpersonal communication
Time management
Philosophies, foundations, and theories of education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Teacher Academy (TA) and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programs?
Teacher Academy has a focus on K-12 education for the college-bound student. Observations are completed outside of the Career Center, in public school settings. The ECEC program has a focus on the care and education of children in their preschool years.
What do you do on a daily basis?
Juniors
Monday, Wednesday, and half of Friday we are in our classroom learning and preparing lessons
Tuesdays, Thursdays and the other half of Friday we are in public school classrooms working with students and teachers, teaching lessons, and learning hands-on skills that teachers need
Seniors
Mondays and Fridays seniors are in the classroom learning content and preparing lessons and presentations, and working on their senior portfolio
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, seniors are out in public school classrooms working with teachers and students on many different levels
Can I still take some classes at my home school or Edison?
The TA schedule can accommodate academic classes (such as Math, English, Government, Choir) to be taken elsewhere. If you are a junior, you will have TA lab in the morning and then are free to take academics wherever you choose in the afternoon. If you are a senior, you will take your academics in the morning and then take TA in the afternoon.
Please contact your school counselor to discuss the available options for completing your academic classes, if you choose to complete somewhere besides the Career Center.
What will I learn in Teacher Academy?
You learn so many aspects of education and development.
You will learn about theories and philosophies of education.
You will learn how to make lesson plans (and then you will make them and teach them. You will do projects and hands on work as much as possible.
You will learn about how children develop and become learners and citizens.
You will also learn a lot about yourself as a learner and a leader in the class (genius hour and growth mindset).
Our Instructors
Biffy Nutter, Main Campus
nutterb@uppervalleycc.org
937.778.1980 x260
Rebecca Kleinhenz, Troy High School Satellite
kleinhenzb@uppervalleycc.org
Edison Community College Advisors
Elisha Hicks, Education Coordinator/Associate Professor of Education
ehicks@edisonohio.edu
Amanda Bylczynski, K-12 Transfer Advisor/Associate Professor of History
abylczynski@edisonohio.edu
Career Opportunities
Pre-k, Elementary, middle, or high school teacher
Speech pathologist
Guidance counselor
Special education teacher
Occupational therapist
School psychologist
Curriculum director
Principal
Superintendent
Occupational Outlook
Ohio average salary $57,000 (2016-17 stats) nces.ed.gov
Overall employment for K-12l teachers is projected to grow 7-8% from 2016 to 2026, which is average for all occupations
During this same period, a significant number of teachers will reach retirement age, creating job openings
Opportunities are especially available is the areas of math, science, English as a second language, and special education
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers
Prerequisites for Admission
A college prep student with at least a 2.5 GPA
95% or better attendance
Counselor recommendation
On track to graduate
Students with a GPA less than 2.50 MAY apply with counselor/teacher/principal recommendation.
College Credits
Students who successfully complete Teacher Academy and obtain a score of 85 or higher on the Tech Prep Teaching Professionals Portfolio can transfer course credit 3 semester hours to any state institution of higher learning.
Scholarship opportunities
Flexibility with academic class scheduling
College Credit Plus
Education at Edison
Edison State Community College has articulation agreements with several universities in Ohio. Students work closely with an Edison State advisor to ensure the correct courses are taken for each transfer school.
Common courses towards all K-12 majors and all transfer schools include:
COM 121S: Fundamentals of Communication
EDU 111S (Teacher Academy)
EDU 213S: Exceptionalities
EDU 226S: Educational Psychology
ENG 121S: Composition I
ENG 122S: Composition II
PSY 121S: Introduction to Psychology
HUM 121S: Introduction to Humanities
K-3 Majors only:
ECE 115S: Introduction to Child Development
Programs of Study at Edison
Associates of Arts in Education
Early Childhood Education (K-3)
Special Education or Intervention
Associates of Arts or Associates of Science in Education
Middle School Education (4-9
Two focus areas from: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies
Secondary Education (7-12)
CTSO
All students in the Teacher Academy program are members of the UVCC chapter of Educators Rising.