Department Chair: Dr. Melissa Krieger
Department Secretary: Dolores Piro
Room: A-306
Phone: (201) 879-5003
Our Mission
The Education Department at Bergen Community College is a model of teacher education, which develops future educators who are reflective, responsive, and dedicated to providing a
service to the community. Promoting inclusion and educational equity, the students enrolled in this program value diversity, social justice, inclusion, and the lived experiences of students and their families, the community, and their future work colleagues. The Education Department offers the Early Childhood concentration as part of the AS.PS.EDUC program option. It is an academic program that leads to transfer to both Early Childhood and Elementary teacher preparation programs and is a foundation for teaching certification for grades P-3rd , K-6th grade, and preparation for students who wish to enter the workforce as early childhood education professionals. Students who choose this program are interested in teaching and working with children in early childhood classroom environments through 3rd grade.
The Associate of Science degree offered in the Education program option/Early Childhood concentration includes a wide variety of in-person and online courses in topics related to education. Education courses cover the following topics: teaching diverse and exceptional learners in inclusive settings, observing and assessing students’ learning and the classroom environment, childcare and education, concepts of multicultural education, history of American education, early childhood best practices, curriculum, and pedagogy, classroom management, organization of the American school system, lesson planning and field experiences. Along with education courses, general education courses, such as writing, math, science, and history are a part of the degree program option/concentration. All courses in the Early Childhood Education concentration are part of a transferable Associate’s degree program. This is a required exam for all students who are interested in becoming public school teachers. Not all students who register for Education courses in the Early Childhood concentrations are interested in earning an associate’s degree. Some other reasons students register for courses in the Education Department are that education courses fulfill teacher licensing requirements, provide professional and parent training and workforce development, prepare students to earn a substitute teaching certificate when 30 credits are earned, or to fulfill requirements to become a licensed family childcare provider.
Career Paths
The professional studies Associate of Science degree (A.S.) is designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution, pursue a bachelor’s degree in education and pursue teacher certification in the following areas: Early Childhood Education, Elementary, Middle School or Secondary Education. Students can take coursework and concentrated options in education or early childhood education. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to careers in education, such as assistant or substitute teacher, group teacher, tutor/mentor, paraprofessional, and teacher’s aide. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Bergen Community College faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options.
Transfer Opportunities
Students pursuing the Associates of Science degree (A.S) can transfer into majors, such as education or early childhood education to pursue teacher certification. Students are encouraged to work closely with Bergen Community College faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer at https://njtransfer.org.