This Academy is an introduction to the field of education. In addition to the theoretical coursework, students in all grade levels prepare lesson plans and teach in the on-site learning center. The Learning Center serves children three to five years of age, four days a week, for two hours a day. Furthermore, student teachers conduct observations as well as track each child’s development over the course of the school year.

Career Pathways in Education & Learning (include but are not limited to):

Teaching and Training: Preschool, Kindergarten Teachers, Aides •Elementary Teachers, Aides •Secondary/CTE Teachers, Aides •Special Education Teachers, Aides •College/University Lecturers, Professors Human Resource Trainers Physical Trainers Professional Coaches •Preschool & Child Care Program Directors •Child Care Assistants/Workers •Child Life Specialist •Nanny •Early Childhood Teachers and Assistants • Instructional Systems Specialist Corporate Trainers and Educators Adult Literacy Teachers Librarians/Assistants/ Technicians

Professional Support Services: •Psychologists- Clinical, Developmental, Social •Social Workers •Parent Educators •Counselors •Program Advisors •Financial Aid Advisors •Career Counselors/ Advisors •Career and Employment Placement Counselors •Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists •Instructional Resources Coordinator •Technology Support Administrator Database Administrators/AV Specialists •Distance Education Coordinator Human Resources Manager Organization Development Specialist Training Manager/Coordinator Instructional Coordinators Museum Coordinators/Technicians Media Coordinators/Specialists Instructional Media Designer

Administration and Administrative Support: Elementary and Secondary Superintendents, Principals, Administrators •Supervisors and Instructional Coordinators •Education Researchers, Test Measurement Specialists/ Assessment Specialists •College Presidents, Deans, Department Chairs, Program Coordinators Post-Secondary Administrators •Curriculum Developers •Instructional Media Designers Education and Training Technician Labor Relations Managers/Specialists

2017-2018 Seniors in the Academy for Education & Learning completed internships with (including but not limited to):

ABC Growing Tree, Canfield Kids, Diamond Dance Studio, Lakeview Elementary, Zodiacs Athletics, Twisters Gymnastics, Jessica A. Johnson, Speech Pathology, Roxbury Daycare Center

9th Grade

Academy: Introduction to the Field of Education

Education & Learning Academy students will start their experience at the Morris County School of Technology with an introduction to the field of education.  Students will investigate potential careers in education by researching different roles in the school community that are of interest. Students will explore the overall characteristics of functioning in a professional environment, the process by which one becomes a professional educator, and the educational requirements needed to do so. In addition, students in this program will explore the qualities of effective educators. This includes identifying personal strengths and weaknesses and working toward improving oneself to be able to participate in a professional educational setting. One particular focus will be on communicating with members of the school community and techniques for avoiding conflict, as well as conflict resolution. Furthermore, students will be introduced to the standards associated with instruction in the state of New Jersey. Students will learn the role of standards in basic requirements, such as daily lesson planning, and complex tasks, such as curriculum writing. The course will then introduce students to the basic components of a lesson plan. Students will engage in various teaching strategies that promote student-centered learning. Students will put these newly learned skills to use by planning developmental activities for Pre-K students across a realm of subject areas, including literacy, math, science, and the arts.  Finally, this course will introduce students to the multiple aspects that contribute to an educator’s ability to manage an educational setting. Students will learn the importance of establishing a safe and conducive learning environment. Working off the knowledge attained while learning how to develop lesson plans for Pre-K children, students will learn how effective lesson planning contributes to effective classroom management. Activities will include the collaborative development of classroom rules and procedures, and the application of useful strategies to monitor and reinforce positive behavior in the on-site learning center.

Core Courses:

• English 9*
• Algebra I, Geometry* or Algebra II*
• Biology*
• Health and Physical Education 9
• World History*
• World Language
• Financial Literacy

*Honors courses available and determined by placement testing upon acceptance to MCST

10th Grade

Academy: Childhood Development and the Learning Process

During sophomore year in the Education & Learning Academy students will focus on childhood development and the learning process. It begins with an in-depth study of the development of children from ages three through eighteen. All aspects of human development are studied, including the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, emotional, moral, and language milestones for each level of schooling (early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school). The development of children and its impact on the learning process will be closely analyzed through observations of the children in the on-site learning center. In addition, students will explore barriers to learning, such as medical conditions, substance abuse, loss of a family member, and bullying. Furthermore, the course will introduce students to the guidance and discipline of elementary through high school students. Students will learn the underlying causes of misbehavior and techniques for managing it. Finally, students will enhance their lesson planning knowledge by developing lessons for elementary through high school levels. Additionally, they will incorporate higher order thinking, key instructional skills, and a variety of teaching strategies into their plans.

Core Courses:

• English 10*
• Geometry*, Algebra II* or Pre-Calculus*
• Chemistry*
• Health and Physical Education 10
• US History I*
• World Language
• VPA Elective

*Honors courses available and determined by grades and teacher recommendation

11th Grade

Academy:  Social, Political, and Economic Trends in Education

Junior year explores the historical foundations of American education. Students will gain an appreciation of how education in America has changed over time, with respect to race, socioeconomic status, age, gender, and a rapidly developing technological society. Students will explore classroom settings that require additional consideration and planning, including inclusion classrooms, special education classrooms, and ESL/ELL classroom. Furthermore, this class will focus on the governmental structures that impact the school system and notorious court cases that have impacted educators. The course will also analyze the relationships between schools and local institutions and individuals, such as businesses, clubs, residents, and parents. Junior year also provides perspectives on various alternatives to traditional public education as well as the many job opportunities available to students interested in working with children. Students will further investigate curriculum planning and instructional strategies. In doing so, they will be able to read, plan, and apply the components of curriculum to daily classroom instruction.  A great deal of time during the course, and school year, will be on providing high-quality instruction through planning and preparing, student engagement, and achievement and accountability, all which can be perfected through reflection. During this year, students will visit various educational settings to get a first-hand account of diverse learners and career pathways in the field. Students have the option to earn college credits through Seton Hall University and Rider University.

Core Courses:

• English 11*
• Algebra II*, Pre-Calculus*, AP Calculus
• Physics*
• Health and Physical Education 10
• US History II*
• World Language
• Elective

*Honors courses available and determined by grades and teacher recommendation

12th Grade at MCST

Career and Technical Education (Academy):

• Career and Technical Education Elective (i.e. Virtual Enterprises International, Computer Science Principles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
• Senior Capstone
• OR CCM for Academy coursework

Structured Learning Experience (Graduation Requirement):

• All Seniors must complete 120 hours of an approved internship in their respective career field.

Core Courses: 

• English 12* (required)
• Health and Physical Education 12 (required)
• AP Calculus, Statistics, Foundations of College Math
• Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology I
• World Language*

*Honors courses available and determined by grades and teacher recommendation

12th Grade at County College of Morris

Eligible Seniors may complete their Senior coursework in full or in part at County College of Morris. See School Counseling Department for more information.

Required Courses:

FALL

• English Composition I (ENG111)
• Lifetime Wellness (HED128) or PE (labeled HES)
• Academy Course (1)

CDC 110 Early Childhood Development
PSY 113 General Psychology
PSY 213 Child Psychology
PSY 116 Psych & Ed of Disabled
COM 104 Interpersonal Communications
COM 109 Speech Fundamentals
CMP126 Computer Applications (all but CIS students)
CMP128 Computer Science 1 (all but CIS students)
BUS 112 Introduction to Business (all but FIB students)
ACC 110 Elements of Accounting (all but FIB students)

SPRING

• English Composition II (ENG112)
• PE or Lifetime Wellness (whichever was not taken in the Fall)
• Academy Course (1) (see above list)

*See Guidance (School Counseling) Department for additional information on CCM courses

Structured Learning Experience

• All Seniors must complete 120 hours of an approved internship in their respective career field.