The degree programs in Teacher Education prepare students to enter a profession whose demand is at an all-time high. Skilled and competent teachers are needed, especially as a growing number of teachers prepare to retire in the next decade. Whether students are just beginning a degree, currently working in the education field, or hold a bachelor's degree and are seeking certification in the State of Maryland, they can pursue a Teacher Education track that meets their specific career or transfer goals. Practical courses combined with general education offerings and internships equip students with both experience and credentials upon graduation. Associate's degree transfer patterns and an alternative certification course of study provide flexible pathways to enter this rewarding profession. The Pathway to Teacher Certification for Career Changers is designed for people who hold a bachelor's degree and seek certification in order to be licensed to teach in a Maryland Public School. People pursuing this pathway should submit their official transcripts to MSDE for review and meet with a CCBC Teacher Education coordinator before registering for classes. CCBC offers students two Education associate's degree pathways - the A.A. degree transfer program in Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education, and the A.A.S. degree career program in Early Childhood Development. The career program prepares students for immediate employment in early childhood settings with opportunities to direct and work in licensed child care programs, Head Start and other early learning environments. The Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree is a new option, at CCBC, for transfer students in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary-Chemistry, Secondary-Math, Secondary-Physics, and Secondary-Spanish. These degree options guarantee a seamless transfer to Maryland four-year public, independent, and most private institutions in the teacher education major. Students should note the differences between the A.A. and the A.A.T. degrees, especially the requirements of successful passage of PRAXIS I and the 2.75 GPA. All students who wish to pursue the A.A.T. degree must see the CCBC Teacher Education Director or their Campus coordinator. CCBC has formal articulation agreements with Villa Julie College in Early Childhood Education and with Coppin State University in Special Education. Effective Fall 2006, CCBC will no longer issue the 90-hour and 45-hour certificates. Successful completion of EDTR 120 and EDTR 121 fulfills the state of Maryland requirement for the 90-hour Early Childhood certification. Successful completion of EDTR 122 fulfills the state of Maryland requirement for the 45-hour Infant Toddler certification. Successful completion of EDTR 123 fulfills the state of Maryland requirement for the 45-hour Group Leader (School Age Child) certification. Your official CCBC transcript is the only state of Maryland approved documentation needed.