COUN 142: Careers In Teaching

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2023
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

Designed for students considering teaching as a career or for those interested in a class that focuses on issues facing teachers and students in today's schools. Course examines career job searching opportunities, requirements, responsibilities, and rewards in teaching as well as skills needed and problems often encountered in the classroom. Additional focus on educational philosophies and the sociology of education. The course will address the qualities of an effective teacher, components and purposes of an effective professional portfolio, and critical issues in diverse contemporary classrooms. Students will initiate the development of an electronic professional portfolio, and learn about their own learning needs and styles. The course will further require students to complete a field-based assignment requiring observation or an interview with a current educator and or assistance in a school or community agency. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • \\nExamine and explain his/her professional motivation for wishing to enter the teaching profession.
  • \\nDefine the training and credential granting process involved in public education.
  • Compare and contrast the historical and current role of teachers.
  • Define the function of a public education teacher.
  • Explain trends in public policy and current research.
  • Analyze the nature of the teaching-learning system.
  • Identify those skills needed to create an effective teacher-student relationship.
  • Evaluate effective classroom management skills including conflict resolution.
  • Identify a starting point for the development of his/her own teaching philosophy and style.
  • Assess teaching as a career possibility from experience in a classroom environment.

Major Course Content

Course Content

  1. Career Planning

    1. Explore/research career resources in teaching
    2. Research specific careers for an assigned area of interest in teaching
    3. Informational interview with a person employed in a education/teaching occupation
    4. Research salary and growth projections for teaching occupations
    5. Research geographical options and limitations for teaching occupations
    6. Learn about programs/internships and job opportunities to in teaching occupations
  2. Introduction to Careers in Teaching
    1. Research Careers in Pre-Schooling
    2. Research Careers in K-6 grades (elementary)
    3. Research Careers in 7-8 grades (junior high)
    4. Research Careers in 9-12 grades (high school)
    5. Research Careers in Special Education grades k-12
    6. Research Careers in School Psychology Counseling, School Speech Therapist
  3. Resources
    1. Edjoin
    2. California Commission on Teaching Credentials
    3. California Educator Credentialing Assessment
    4. Career Counseling
    5. Fin. Aid
    6. Faculty and office hours
      1. Other resources
        1. Identify, evaluate and improve study and learning habits
        2. Strengthen personal resources and support systems

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Examples of Required Writing Assignments:
Students will be required to research a particular teaching profession found in the k-12 grade levels and write a report (3-5 pages) with information related to the career, income potential, any geographical limitations, and education pathways to achieve the occupational position. Students will be required to present the information to the class

Examples of Outside Assignments

Examples of Outside Assignments:
Students will be required to observe or interview a current teacher in the k-12 grade setting and write a paper summary of at least 3 pages long of the interaction and topics observed or per the interview.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture