Education Professions
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
EDUCATION PROFESSIONS
PROGRAM LENGTH: 2 years
GRADES: 10-12
Education is one of the most rewarding career fields, and it needs professionals who understand child development, classroom management, and instructional strategies. The Education Professions pathway at ALA Applied Technologies is a three-year program where students learn core skills across teaching, child development, curriculum planning, assessment, classroom management, and professional ethics.
This pathway is designed for students who want a clear next step after high school: enter the workforce as paraprofessionals, continue into higher education, or pursue advanced certifications in education.
By the end of the program, students will learn skills in:
- Child development and age-appropriate learning strategies
- Planning and implementing preschool activities and lesson plans
- Classroom management and observation techniques
- Inclusive practices and support for children with diverse needs
- Internship experience in early childhood centers
- Preparation for Child Development Associate (CDA)
Course Pathway Map
The first year prepares students for careers in education, including teaching, coaching, counseling, and administration. Topics include professional expectations, history and structure of education, theoretical and philosophical approaches, inclusive practices, home-school partnerships, classroom management, and education technology.
Students explore careers in education, the impacts of educators, and professional, legal, and ethical practices. Hands-on lab practice reinforces learning. Students work toward an Instructional Paraprofessional or Child Development Associates Certification.
The second year focuses on child development, paraprofessional roles, exceptional learners, curriculum, and assessment. Students examine children’s development from early elementary through adolescence and learn legal responsibilities of teachers and paraprofessionals.
The course covers instruction and practices based on 504 plans, gifted education, and individualized education plans (IEPs). Students develop assessments aligned with classroom instruction, state standards, and curriculum. Practical lab practice continues. Students work toward an Instructional Paraprofessional or Child Development Associates Certification.
This course focuses on applying skills attained in Education Professions I & II through structured work experience via an internship with community education programs and district schools. Students may need a fingerprint clearance card.
Students specialize in one age group to develop lesson plans, classroom management techniques, and a professional work portfolio. Internship placement is provided by the Education Program Coordinator, and students must comply with all industry and placement-specific regulations.
Students are required to meet a minimum of 10 internship hours per week. Transportation to and from the internship site is the responsibility of the student. Seniors (12th grade) and at least 16 years old are eligible. Students work toward an Instructional Paraprofessional Certification and receive 1.0 CTE or Elective credit upon completion (0.5 per semester).
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding course offerings, requirements, and descriptions, please refer to the official course catalog.
Certificates & Licenses
Throughout the Early Childhood Education pathway, students work toward the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, an industry-recognized credential that prepares them to support young children in educational settings. This certification demonstrates students’ knowledge of child development, classroom management, and instructional strategies, providing a strong foundation for careers in preschool education, childcare, and early learning programs.
Students gain real-world experience applying best practices for health, safety, and family engagement while developing the skills needed to succeed in early childhood environments.
| Certificate Name | Class / Year Obtained | Type | Purpose / Eligibility | Information Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification | Education Professions III: Early Childhood Capstone | Certification | Qualifies students to work in early childhood settings and demonstrates competency in nurturing and educational care for young children | Child development principles, learning environment setup, health and safety, family engagement, and instructional strategies for preschool-aged children |
Career, Salary, and Growth Opportunities
Entry
Median
Experienced
NATIONAL ANNUAL SALARY
2020
2022
2024
AZ MEDIAN SALARY GROWTH
2024
2034
PROJECTED JOB OUTLOOK
The Education Academy is designed for students who want to explore teaching and education careers early while building real, usable classroom skills. Students learn how schools work, how students learn, how to support diverse learners, and how to use education technology. A practical lab component allows students to practice what they’re learning, giving them a head start on the skills needed for careers in education.
This pathway prepares students for roles such as teacher assistant, elementary teacher, and special education teacher, with salaries ranging from $28,000 to $80,000 and opportunities to advance over time. The field has strong demand, with about 170,400 openings for teacher assistants and over 100,000 openings for elementary teachers projected nationally each year through 2034. For students who enjoy working with children, supporting classrooms, and making a lasting impact, the Education Academy provides a dependable pathway to meaningful, in-demand careers.
*Statistics sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Arizona workforce projections.
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
Little Leaders
The Education Academy at Applied Tech partners with ALA’s Little Leaders program to provide a real-world learning experience. Through this collaboration, students gain valuable insight into lesson planning, working with young learners, and managing a classroom, making their experience even more hands-on and fulfilling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Yes. The program includes strategies for supporting diverse learning needs.
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No. The program starts at the foundation level and builds skills step by step.
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Yes. Observation is part of learning how classrooms function before full placement.
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Yes. Lesson planning is introduced and practiced before and during the capstone.
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Yes. It provides early exposure to teaching concepts and expectations.
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That’s normal. The first two years build broad skills and exposure so students can make a more informed choice before the internship year.
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Strong communication, reliability, patience, professionalism, and the willingness to learn and follow classroom procedures.
Our Industry Partners
We collaborate with leading industry professionals to ensure our students gain real-world experience, leading to direct pathways into high-demand careers. We are proud to work alongside organizations that invest in the future of our students.
