Visit

Main Content Area

Early Childhood Education student working with young children

Elementary Education

Earn an Elementary/Secondary Education Associate Degree at Aims

If you’re excited by the idea of helping students gain new skills and abilities, consider starting a rewarding career in education. The Aims elementary and secondary education associate of arts degree with designation is designed for students who will go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The 60 credits you earn at Aims will transfer to participating Colorado four-year colleges and universities where you’ll enter the bachelor’s program as a junior. 

To pursue a career in education starting at Aims you will need to identify your four-year transfer institution as early as possible. Elementary and secondary education students are required to pursue a bachelor’s degree and because programs vary among Colorado Universities, early declaration will help ensure you earn all required credits during your two years at Aims.

Aims2UNC

You can enjoy seamless transfer support for your elementary teaching degree by enrolling in the Aims2UNC transition program. Your Aims education associate degree credits transfer to the bachelor of arts in elementary education with a teaching emphasis at the University of Northern Colorado.

Learn more about this exciting transition program for students who want to become an elementary school teacher

Secondary Education Guidelines

If you want to teach at the middle and high school level, you can complete your first two years of general education and specific content courses at Aims - whether you decide to teach math, science, language arts or another area of focus. These courses will transfer to a four-year university and allow you to continue your coursework for secondary education licensure. Students should consult with both education and content area advisors at Aims.

Gain the Skills You Need to Become an Elementary or Secondary Educator

Your education degree courses build your knowledge and skills to prepare you to transfer to a four-year program where you’ll complete your bachelor’s degree and ultimately go on to work teaching in the classroom. You will learn how to create a classroom that makes students feel safe and included while fostering an environment that stimulates their minds and invites them to ask questions and discuss ideas. 

The philosophical and educational framework that guides the elementary and secondary education associate degree program at Aims is grounded in developmentally appropriate practices including:

  • Child development
  • Classroom management
  • Observation skills
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Pedagogical theory and practice
  • Lesson planning
  • Supporting different learning styles

The elementary and secondary education associate degree program at Aims also teaches soft skills that are important to employers. These include listening, communication, time management, self-care, and critical thinking, all skills that can help you enter the bachelor’s program prepared to succeed. 

Community college has helped me get closer to my goal of becoming an educator. The courses have given me the necessary skills and knowledge that will help me along the way.

Danielle Irwin
Aims Community College Student
education students

Begin Your Journey to a Career in Education

If you are excited by the idea of helping guide students as they begin their journey through their own education, the elementary and secondary education associate degree program can help you start your career. 

Students who graduate with an education bachelor of arts go on to positions including: 

  • Elementary school teacher
  • Secondary school teacher
     

Education Faculty and Staff

Learn from instructors with elementary and secondary education classroom teaching experience who are committed to helping you transition to a bachelor’s degree program. Gain guidance and feedback from people who can help you make connections between classroom theory and real-world practice.

  • Christine Wiedeman headshot

    Christine Wiedeman

    Professor, Early Child Education
  • Laura Killen-Wing headshot

    Laura Killen-Wing

    Instructor, Early Child Education
  • Headshot of Marsha Harmon

    Marsha Harmon

    Part-Time: Program Coordinator I, Education & Early Childhood Education