Early Childhood Education, Education Professions
ACADEMIES & PROGRAMS
EDUCATION
ACADEMY
Education Pathways
Why Education?
The Education Academy prepares students to explore careers in teaching and education while developing real classroom skills. Students learn how schools operate, how students learn, and how to support diverse learners while using modern education technology.
Through classroom instruction and practical lab experiences, students build practical skills used in real educational settings.
- About 868,000 job openings projected each year in education and training careers in the U.S.
- Median annual wage about $59,000 across education occupations
- 5% avg. projected job growth through 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations
- Employment spans schools, community education, libraries, and training programs nationwide
*Statistics sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Arizona workforce projections.
The Education Academy at Applied Tech partners with ALA’s Little Leaders program to provide a real-world learning experience. Students gain hands-on practice in lesson planning, working with young learners, and classroom management while supporting preschool students in developing motor, social, and sensory skills. Structured lessons also focus on early literacy and numeracy, helping children recognize letters and numbers.
Core Classes
Suggested below is a typical progression path for the ALA Applied Technologies Graduation Diploma. The progression shown is only a suggestion and could vary depending on the academic level and credit achievement of a student.
| Grade | English | Math | History/Social Studies | Science | Elective | Elective | Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th | English I | Algebra 1 | World History | Biology | Fitness & Nutrition | Elective | Elective |
| 10th | English II | Geometry | American/Arizona History | Chemistry | Financial Literacy/ Entrepreneurship | CTE | CTE |
| 11th | English III | Algebra 2 | Economics | Physics (lab sciences) | Elective | CTE | CTE |
| 12th | English IV | College Math | Civics/ Government | Upper Level Science Course | Elective | CTE | CTE |
Our Facilities
Students in the Education Academy gain hands-on experience in a real early childhood learning environment designed to support observation, instruction, and classroom management skills.
Our facilities feature:
- Multiple preschool classrooms for hands-on teaching experience
- Dedicated playground for outdoor learning and child development activities
- Indoor movement room supporting physical development and interactive learning
- High school classroom for instruction, planning, and reflection
- Lobby and office space supporting program operations
- Classrooms equipped with projectors and cameras for observation and instruction
