ACC’s Educator Academy helps students find fulfilling careers in the classroom. The academy gives you an opportunity to explore your career options within the education field and find the path that’s right for you. You can complete your child development associate (CDA) certificate, which opens doors to entry-level careers in early childhood education or work toward an associate degree designed for future school teachers.
Eligibility requirements
- Be a high school junior at start of the program.
- Be TSI complete in reading and writing.
- Be TSI complete in math by December 15 of the first fall semester if you intend to pursue the associate of arts degree.
- Complete the Educator Academy application.
- Submit a 300– to 500-word essay expressing interest in an education-related career path (included in the application).
- Be eligible to pass the criminal history background check required by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for day care center workers.
Program requirements
- Attend the Educator Academy orientation before beginning ACC classes.
- Earn at least a C in each ACC course.
- Maintain an overall ACC grade point average of 2.70 or higher.
Time commitment
Certificates awarded
- Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate
- Associate of Arts in Teaching (first 2 years are completed in high school, final 4 semesters are completed as a full-time ACC student)
Career opportunities
School Teacher:
- Early childhood–6th grade teacher
- 4th–8th grade teacher
- 8th–12th grade teacher
- Substitute teacher
- After-school program worker
- Tutor
Child Care Instructor:
- Child care worker
- After-school program worker