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Release Date: 
Friday, August 5, 2022

Careers to Consider: Pre-Education

An African-American woman in a classroom surrounded by school-age children.

This article is part of a series spotlighting HFC academic and workforce programs leading to great careers. To view all HFC programs, visit this link.

HFC’s pre-education program will prepare you to transfer and achieve teacher certification in elementary education or secondary education. If you want to become a paraprofessional, we will prepare you for immediate employment with elementary and secondary schools.

Your two years of coursework can be applied toward a bachelor's degree at a 4-year university. You will also gain practical experience in the classroom.

Pre-Education pathways

We offer associate degree and certificate programs in these areas:

  1. Pre-Elementary Education
  2. Pre-Secondary Education
  3. Education Paraprofessional (NOTE: This 31-credit certification is earned while you are enrolled in the pre-elementary education program)

The Education Paraprofessional prepares you to begin your career immediately. The other paths help you gain your bachelor’s degree at a 4-year educational institution in a high-quality, low-cost environment.

What classes will you take?

You will take basic education courses and general education courses. You will start your education experience with EDU 201: Introduction to Education.

Check out the recommended course sequence for your preferred pathway:

  1. Pre-Elementary Education
  2. Pre-Secondary Education
  3. Education Paraprofessional

We always recommend you talk to one of our friendly, expert advisors to make sure you are on the right track.

The Pre-Education program has two academic advisors:

Call one of these friendly, knowledgeable advisors today.

What will you learn?

You will learn and grow in the following areas:

  • Written and verbal communication
  • Lesson planning
  • Learning styles
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Patience and organization
  • Stamina

Other features and benefits include:

  • Classroom observation: Through HFC’s partnerships with nearby school districts and universities, you will participate in a collaborative practicum experience with an experienced educator in an elementary, middle, or high school classroom setting.
  • Becoming a teaching assistant: Work immediately after you graduate from HFC with elementary and secondary schools.

Great transfer options for continued education

After you complete the Pre-Education program, you can transfer to a university to complete your final two years of your bachelor's degree. HFC has many agreements with other schools for easy transfer options. Some of these include:

  • Wayne State University
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Oakland University
  • The University of Michigan-Dearborn
  • Baker College
  • Davenport University

“We offer seamless transfer to many schools of education,” said HFC Pre-Education Director Dr. Carolyn Casale. “If you are planning to transfer, our Pre-Education faculty members are here to help you with this process.”

Casale is working on many more agreements with universities.

For questions or more information, contact Casale at ccasale@hfcc.edu. To make an appointment with a pre-education academic advisor, contact either Clippert-DeVogel at soclippert@hfcc.edu or Milai at crmilai@hfcc.edu.