Why study Pre-Elementary Education?

The UC Clermont Pre-Elementary Education program is designed for those interested in teaching children in various pre-kindergarten through 5th-grade settings, including preschools, Head Start programs, child-care centers, and public and private schools. As an aspiring early childhood educator, this program will help you understand the complex human and social factors involved in educating young children, as well as practices that support diversity and build a foundation for lifelong learning. A bachelor’s degree in education is the minimum requirement to become a teacher. As an associate degree program, UC Clermont offers freshman and sophomore coursework with the expectation that students will transfer to UC Clifton to complete their preparation and earn a bachelor’s degree.

NOTE: Education majors must volunteer in local schools, typically between 10-20 hours per semester, in conjunction with their coursework. Though this time commitment is not significant, it is necessary to have reliable transportation and the ability to visit schools during regular business hours. An annual background check is also required (approximately $60).

Career Possibilities

A career in elementary education involves working with young children, typically ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade, and focusing on their academic, social, and emotional development. Elementary school teachers play a crucial role in shaping the educational foundation of children and helping them build essential skills.

Here are a few key careers in elementary education:

1. Elementary School Teacher: As an elementary school teacher, you'll be responsible for planning and delivering lessons across various subjects, including math, science, language arts, social studies, and more. You'll create a positive learning environment, manage classroom behavior, assess student progress, and provide individualized instruction to meet diverse needs. You'll work closely with students, parents, and other educators to foster a supportive and engaging learning experience.

2. Special Education Teacher: Special education teachers work with students who have unique learning needs or disabilities. They provide individualized instruction and support to help students overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Special education teachers collaborate with other educators, therapists, and parents to develop personalized education plans, adapt curriculum materials, and create inclusive classrooms. UC Clermont does have a Pre-Special Education program would prepare you in this area should you be interested.

3. Reading Specialist: Reading specialists focus on developing strong literacy skills in elementary school students. They assess students' reading abilities, provide targeted instruction, and offer intervention strategies for struggling readers. Reading specialists also collaborate with teachers to integrate effective reading strategies into the classroom curriculum and support professional development in literacy instruction.

4. School Counselor: Elementary school counselors provide guidance and support to students regarding academic, personal, and social matters. They help students develop positive relationships, navigate challenges, and explore their interests and goals. School counselors may also facilitate group counseling sessions, conduct assessments, and collaborate with teachers and parents to ensure students' well-being and success.

5. Curriculum Specialist: Curriculum specialists work with schools or districts to develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs and instructional materials. They analyze curriculum standards, design engaging lessons, and provide professional development to teachers. Curriculum specialists may also assess student achievement, recommend educational resources, and stay updated on current trends and research in elementary education.

6. School Administrator: School administrators, such as principals or assistant principals, oversee the overall operation of an elementary school. They provide leadership, manage staff, ensure a safe and productive learning environment, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and the community. Administrators handle budgeting, curriculum planning, staff evaluation, and decision-making to support the school's mission and promote student success.

These are just a few examples of careers in elementary education. Each role requires a passion for working with children, strong communication and organizational skills, and a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment as well as the appropriate degree and licensure. Please speak with an Admission representative to identify the most appropriate program for you.  Many educators find these careers rewarding as they make a lasting impact on the lives of young learners.

Major Maps

• Guide: 2024-2025 Pre-Elementary Education: UC Transition Program (AS)

Advising

You must have a strong ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand their academic, social, and emotional needs. You must recognize and be responsive to individual and cultural differences. Openness, reliance on tools of inquiry and flexibility are important. You should also be organized, dependable and creative. You must be able to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with other teachers, support staff, parents and community members.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

UC Clermont students have access to free tutoring and academic support services through Learning Commons. The Learning Commons provides centralized academic support for all University of Cincinnati students by bringing together faculty, best-practices in teaching and learning, and hundreds of outstanding peer educators to create flexible academic success programming. Free services available to UC Clermont students include academic coaching, group review sessions, success skills workshops, and tutoring in writing, math, science and more. Services are available on-campus or virtually. Visit the Learning Commons webpage for more information or schedule an appointment online.

Academic Coaching – Academic coaches help students get organized and learn to be efficient and effective with their study time during one-on-one sessions. Academic Coaches work with students on new strategies or exercises to try before the next meeting and later meetings allow tailoring new approaches to develop the best study and test taking habits for unique goals and strengths. Schedule one-hour sessions as often as once per week.

Academic Writing Center (AWC) – The Academic Writing Center (AWC) offers tutoring for all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to incorporating research. The AWC is not course-specific and can help with discipline-specific documents, as well as non-course-based writing. Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a trained writing tutor or submit a paper online for feedback within 48 hours.

Group Review Sessions (GRS) – Group Review Sessions (GRS) are small study groups, led by a peer leader, that meet to review content that is covered in course-supported lectures each week. Find the list of supported courses on the Learning Commons website.

Math & Science Support Center (MASS) – The MASS Center offers virtual study tables for many undergraduate mathematics and science courses. Study tables provide a collaborative learning space so that students can learn from their peers who have excelled (the table leader) as well as their fellow class members attending the study table. No appointment is necessary for these scheduled group study sessions. You can view the up-to-date study table schedule on the Learning Commons website.

Peer Tutoring – Peer tutoring sessions are one-on-one with a subject-specific tutor to answer questions and help you master content in more than 200 undergraduate courses, including subjects such as math, science, languages and business. Schedule appointments up to 7 days in advance for one-hour, 90-minute or two-hour session. If you notice your desired course is not offered, please let us know.

Preparatory Composition – Students enrolled in UC Clermont Preparatory English (ENGL0099) courses have dedicated support from professional tutors. Information about these services and how to connect with the tutor is included in the course syllabus.

Success Skills Workshops – Success Skills Workshops are free one-hour sessions that focus on skills students need to be successful in college (study skills, note-taking, motivation, etc.). While there is no shortcut to success, the goal of the workshops is to empower students to identify and apply academic habits and soft skills through a deeper understanding and purpose of them. When students RSVP for a workshop, they will be able to register for the upcoming workshops one at a time and up to nine days prior to the workshop date.

Canvas Navigator Workshop – Designed to help students who are new to college and need help navigating their coursework online. The workshop shows students how to access their course materials, publisher homework, quizzes, textbooks, academic services like tutoring, and more. Students who attend this workshop can expect to gain clarity on what they need to do on a weekly basis to stay on track with their course work throughout the semester, which helps students stay motivated leading to greater confidence and success in their courses.

Math Placement Test Workshop – Offered to prospective and current UC students who want to brush up on their math skills before taking the Math Placement Test. The free synchronous online workshop is led by a UC Clermont professional tutor. The three-week workshop series is offered monthly except in January. It is recommended that students sign up for all three weeks to get the maximum benefit from these workshops.

Math for Science Students Workshop – Designed for students enrolled in entry-level biology and chemistry courses, these workshops cover foundational math concepts that students need to success in their science courses. The synchronous online workshops are led by a UC Clermont tutor. The workshop repeats each week starting the week before classes begin and continuing through week 3 of the semester.

Admission Requirements

This program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.

As a first-year student, you will need to take an English and mathematics placement test if you have not obtained the minimum ACT/SAT score required for exemption. These tests do not affect your admission; however, the results are essential for your proper placement in classes. You must complete placement tests before you register for English or mathematics courses. All placement tests are given free of charge.

In order to progress into a bachelor level education program, students must meet admission requirements of the transfer/transition institution’s program. This includes a minimum GPA, background check and possible content exam.

Transferring to UC Requirements

We accept transfer applications all year long, and you may start any semester, provided your transcripts arrive in time to be evaluated before the start of the semester you wish to attend.

If you have not taken college-level mathematics or English, you will need to take the placement test.

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Other UC students may transfer into Clermont College by completing the application for change in college and program. You are urged to see your advisor before transferring into a different major to minimize any impact on your degree progress.

International Student Requirements

You must demonstrate English proficiency. You must also meet admissions deadlines and visa requirements, and provide documentation of sufficient funds before we can complete your admission. Please call the International Admissions Office (513) 556-2069 for details or email with questions.

Learn more about becoming an international student at UC Clermont.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from UC Clermont, a student must:

• Complete all required coursework and program requirements.
• Obtain at least a 2.0 university grade point average.
• Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Meet the college's residency requirement of 20 semester credit hours.
• File formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.

Application Deadlines

For specific deadline information, visit the Admissions webpage.

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