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SUNY GCC - Genesee Community College

The Teaching Assistant degree program is appropriate for both current and prospective teacher aides and assistants. These paraprofessionals perform a variety of functions within schools such as:

  • Working with an individual student
  • Working with a small group of students
  • Working in a classroom or resource room
  • Working with students in a technology room or computer lab

You will be provided with courses that are directly relevant to the responsibilities normally assigned to Teaching Assistants working in prekindergarten through high school.

Why GCC?

You will receive a solid foundation in both the Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as the educational functions of Teaching Assistants. Our program has three areas of concentration:

  • Generalist
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Learning Strategies and Technologies

You will also complete a field assignment in the community.

By completing the first 18 credit hours at GCC, you will meet the necessary college requirements for two state certificates:

  1. The New York State Level II or III Teaching Assistant certificate
  2. The New York State Pre-Professional Teaching certificate

To earn the Pre-Professional certificate, you must enroll in a program registered as leading to teaching certification, such as our Teacher Education Transfer program. In addition, completing the first 30 credit hours will qualify you to receive the GCC Teaching Assistant Certificate.

Students may also choose to participate in a wide array of professional development and service learning opportunities designed to enhance their professional goals and college experience through GCC’s Education Club.

Degree Types

Associate In Applied Science (AAS)

AAS Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

TEACHING ASSISTANT (AAS) PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Teaching Assistant Certificate program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Apply critical reading and thinking skills required to be an effective paraprofessional within the field of education.
  2. Employ proficient written and verbal communication skills, including the appropriate use of technology.
  3. Compare the roles and responsibilities of the teacher and paraprofessional and apply ethical standards within the field of education.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic theories and general practices for effectively assisting within the classroom environment.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the social, political, and economic forces that influence public education.
  6. Identify diverse communities and individuals and critically reflect upon the importance of respect for diversity.
  7. Demonstrate sufficient preparation for career development and/or continuation in an AS or AAS program.

Download the 2023-2024 Curriculum Worksheet for AAS [PDF]

Certificate (CERT)

CERT Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

TEACHING ASSISTANT (CERT) PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Teaching Assistant Certificate program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Apply critical reading and thinking skills required to be an effective paraprofessional within the field of education.
  2. Employ proficient written and verbal communication skills, including the appropriate use of technology.
  3. Compare the roles and responsibilities of the teacher and paraprofessional and apply ethical standards within the field of education.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic theories and general practices for effectively assisting within the classroom environment.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the social, political, and economic forces that influence public education.
  6. Identify diverse communities and individuals and critically reflect upon the importance of respect for diversity.
  7. Demonstrate sufficient preparation for career development and/or continuation in an AS or AAS program.

Download the 2024-2025 Curriculum Worksheet for CERT [PDF]

College Students walking on outside on campus

Career Outlook

Please contact Career Services for more information

Transfer Opportunities

Starting at GCC saves many students and their families thousands of dollars in tuition. With an A.S. or A.A. degree you will be able to seamlessly transfer within the SUNY network of 64 college and universities as well as to many 4-year private institutions. GCC’s A.S. and A.A. programs were developed as part of the SUNY seamless transfer initiative allowing students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree as a freshman and a sophomore at a community college, then seamlessly transfer to a SUNY four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree. Please reference the SUNY Transfer Pathways for degree programs to learn about any campus specific requirements. Visit the SUNY Core Course Finder to plan out the courses you should complete to transfer to a 4-year SUNY School.

If you are planning to transfer to a 4-year private institution you should work with our Transfer Services office to learn about possible articulation agreements and pathways that exist for many or our degree programs. Some GCC A.A.S. programs also have transfer opportunities.

Transfer opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Canisius College
  • Daemen College
  • Empire State College/SUNY
  • Excelsior College
  • Houghton College
  • Keuka College
  • Medaille College
  • Nazareth College
  • Niagara University
  • RIT
  • Roberts Wesleyan College
  • St. John Fisher College
  • SUNY Brockport
  • SUNY College at Buffalo
  • SUNY Geneseo
  • SUNY Oswego

*GCC has current transfer agreements with the above noted institutions

To learn more about these opportunities and agreements contact the Transfer Services Office, we are more than happy to work with you and answer any questions you may have on building your own personalized transfer plan.