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Education Foundations

Inver Hills believes strongly in the critical importance of the teaching profession. The courses offered through the college's Teacher Education department make up a comprehensive, quality, pre-professional education curriculum that facilitates equal access to relevant upper-division teacher education licensure programs. The courses also provide staff development opportunities for urban educators.

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Education Foundations

Contact Information

Cheryl Redinger
Teacher Education Instructor

creding@inverhills.edu
651-450-3306
A-218

Janice Hofschulte
Teacher Education Instructor

jhofsch@inverhills.edu
651-450-3453
B-115b

Admissions Team

admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3000
College Center

The Education Foundations program prepares students to the field of teaching through a series of pre-professional introductory courses and recommended electives. The curriculum includes opportunities to examine professional knowledge, engage in reflection, and understand culturally relevant approaches to instruction while also becoming immersed in classroom experiences at local school districts.

Note: If you have been arrested, charged or convicted of any criminal offense, you should investigate the impact that the arrest, charge or conviction may have on your chances of employment in the field you intend to study or on your chances to obtain federal, state and other higher education financial aid. Some courses within this program require a criminal background study to successfully complete. Please see the course description section of the catalog for more details. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

Degrees

Education Foundations - Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle And Secondary School A.S. – 60 credits

The A.S. in Educational Foundations prepares students for transfer to a four year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree and subsequent recommendation for teacher licensure. Students may also have the potential to earn an Associate of Arts, if they complete Physical Education (1 credit) & Health (1 credit).

Coursework   Program Planning Guide

Education Foundations Curriculum – 20 credits

Course Number Title Credits
Requirements (9 credits)
EDU 1109 Introduction to Education and Reflective Teaching 4 cr
EDU 1141 Learning Technology for K-12 Education 2 cr
EDU 1143 Multicultural Education/Human Relations 3 cr
Electives (11 credits)
Select from any of the following EDU courses or additional MnTC courses:
EDU 1110 Education: Early Childhood Birth to Grade 3 3 cr
EDU 1128 Guidance, Communication & Development of Young Children 3 cr
EDU 1130 Early Childhood Education 3 cr
EDU 1132 Creative Activities for the Young Child 2 cr
EDU 1136 Infant and Toddler Development 3 cr
EDU 1138 Children with Special Needs 3 cr
EDU 2008 Children's Mental Health 2 cr
EDU 2018 Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners 3 cr
EDU 2020 Foundations of Early Literacy 3 cr
EDU 2220 Music Education and Pedagogy 3 cr
EDU 2805 Introduction to Children’s Literature 3 cr
EDU 2250 Contemporary Education Topics 1 - 3 cr
MATH 1107 Math Foundations 4 cr
MATH 1118 College Algebra I 4 cr
HLTH 1130 Drug Use/Abuse 3 cr
Physical Education   1 cr
Health   1 cr
Any additional MnTC credits    
Total Credits: 20

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum – 40 credits

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) requires a minimum of 40 credits. You must complete the MnTC courses that are specifically designated below, such as ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills for MnTC Goal Area 1. You may choose the other courses from each goal area from the list located at: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC

To streamline your degree, you are encouraged to choose MnTC Goal 1-6 courses that also meet MnTC Goal areas 7-10. Students should choose courses that best work for their intended transfer college/program.

Goal Description Courses
Goal 1 Communication
  • ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills
  • ENG 1111 OR 1114 OR 1130
  • COMM 1110 (recommended) OR COMM 1100 OR COMM 2230
 3 cr
Goal 2 Critical Thinking
  • Satisfied with required coursework
 0 - 1 cr
Goal 3 Natural Science
1 course must include lab
  • Goal 3a Life Science course
  • Goal 3b Physical Sciences course
 2 cr
Goal 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
  • MATH 1107 or MATH 1118 (recommended)
 1 cr
Goal 5 History/Social Sciences/Behavioral Sciences
  • PSYC 1101 OR 1201 (recommended)
  • PSYC 1215 (recommended)
  • SOC 1100 (recommended)
 3 cr
Goal 6 Humanities/Fine Arts/Literature
  • Goal 6a (Fine Arts) course
  • Goal 6b (Humanities/Literature) course
  • Any additional Goal 6 course
 3 cr
Goal 7 Human Diversity
  • Goal 7 course
 1 cr
Goal 8 Global Perspective
  • Goal 8 course
 1 cr
Goal 9 Ethical and Civic Responsibility
  • Goal 9 course
 1 cr
Goal 10 People and the Environment
  • Goal 10 course
 1 cr
Total Credits: 40

Certificates

Child Care Teacher Certificate – 30 credits

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain employment in early childhood, preschool and child care settings as a child care teacher. Students acquire theory, knowledge, skills and techniques to prepare them for employment.

This program helps students confront directly the realities of a career focused on caring for the needs of children. Students explore attitudes, thoughts and feelings as they affect their ability to work effectively with others as an early childhood educator. Direct experience with children and agencies, through internship and class experiences, are essential features of this program.

Note: If you have been arrested, charged or convicted of any criminal offense, you should investigate the impact that the arrest, charge or conviction may have on your chances of employment in the field you intend to study or on your chances to obtain federal, state and other higher education financial aid. Some courses within this program require a criminal background study to successfully complete. Please see the course description section of the catalog for more details. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

Coursework   Program Planning Guide Gainful Employment Disclosure

Child Care Curriculum – 17 credits

Course Number Title Credits
EDU 1128 Guidance, Communication & Development of Young Children 3 cr
EDU 1133 Children's Health, Nutrition, Physical Development, and the Effects of Drugs 3 cr
EDU 1136 Infant and Toddler Development 3 cr
EDU 1138 Children with Special Needs 3 cr
HLTH 1127 American Heart Association Heartsaver 1 cr
HSER 1179 Human Services Seminar 1 cr
HSER 1189 Internship 3 cr
Total Credits: 17

Electives – 13 credits

Select from any EDU courses or additional MnTC courses:

Course Number Title Credits
EDU 1110 Education: Early Childhood Birth to Grade 3 3 cr
EDU 1130 Early Childhood Education 3 cr
EDU 1132 Creative Activities for the Young Child 2 cr
EDU 2020 Foundations of Early Literacy 3 cr
EDU 2008 Children's Mental Health 2 cr
EDU 2805 Introduction to Children’s Literature 3 cr
HSER 1123 Family Functions and Interactions 3 cr
HSER 1112 Crisis Assessment and Intervention 3 cr
PSYC 1215 hild and Adolescent Psychology 3 cr
Total Credits: 13
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Course Descriptions

EDU 1109  Introduction to Education & Reflective Teaching   4.0 cr

Gives prospective educators and school paraprofessionals perspective on the rewards and challenges of teaching, including critical issues facing teaching and learning in today's schools. Class lectures/discussions, course readings, guest speakers, and field experiences will focus on such topics as educational equity, the achievement gap, poverty, diversity, resiliency, cultural awareness, using the community as a resource, effective teaching, school improvement, the importance of engaging in reflective teaching, and opportunities to further explore personal motivations for becoming a teacher. Participants are introduced to education through case studies and first-hand accounts of teaching and learning in schools, including an exploration of the impact that larger social systems have on schools, teachers, and students and their families. In addition to attending the weekly 3-hour class lecture/discussion, students will complete a minimum of 30 Service Learning hours in a school setting. They will also use eFolio Minnesota to create a multimedia electronic portfolio to reflect upon their Service Learning experiences. This course will include completion of MTLE Basic Skills practice tests in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing, in preparation for Minnesota teacher licensure requirements. To complete the requirements of the course students will need to receive a criminal background clearance. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

EDU 1110  Education: Early Childhood Birth To Grade 3   3.0 cr

Gives students a perspective on teaching at the early childhood through third-grade levels. In addition to attending the weekly 2-hour discussions, students will complete a minimum of 30 Service Learning hours in an early childhood program or elementary school setting. The lecture/discussion groups and guest speakers will focus on such issues as curriculum, Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress, classroom management, various cultures, parent-teacher communication, classroom issues, and technology in the classroom. Prerequisites: Recommended EDU 1109.

EDU 1128  Guidance, Communication and Development of Young Children   3.0 cr

Discusses developmental characteristics of infants, toddlers and preschool children with emphasis on stages of and individual differences in rates and styles of learning. Incorporates guidance principles and techniques in order for students to better understand the child's behavior and improve skills in working with a child in various situations.

EDU 1130  Early Childhood Education   3.0 cr

Provides an opportunity for students to explore the early childhood education field as caregivers of young children. Individuals will explore their role as a practitioner through self-exploration, classroom activities, and group activities.

EDU 1132  Creative Activities for the Young Child   2.0 cr

Presents the principles needed to plan creative experiences for infants, toddlers, and young children in all curriculum areas. Creative activities and experiences will be explored that enhance children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development. Materials fee required.

EDU 1133  Children's Health, Nutrition, Phys Development, and the Effects of Drugs   3.0 cr

Focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to maintain a safe and healthy environment for young children. Appropriate activities and experiences for young children will be addressed around the topics of health, safety, nutrition, physical development, and the effects of drugs on children.

EDU 1136  Infant and Toddler Development   3.0 cr

Focuses on developing a knowledge base about infant and toddler development emphasizing identification and creation of the learning environment. 40 hours of service learning/field experience required. To complete the requirements of the course students will need to receive a criminal background clearance. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

EDU 1138  Children with Special Needs   3.0 cr

Focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to create and maintain an integrated learning environment for children with special needs. An introduction and exploration of disabilities commonly found in infants, toddlers, preschool, and school age children.

EDU 1141  Learning Technology for K-12 Education   2.0 cr

Examines the historical and current contexts for applications of educational technology, including the research, resources, issues and trends shaping the role of educational technology in today's urban classrooms. Course readings, class discussions, guest speakers, and course assignments will focus on topics such as the foundations for effective technology integration, the National Educational Technology Standards, and the enhancement of teaching and learning through the successful integration of current and future educational technology across the curriculum. Students will investigate and critically evaluate selected software, multimedia/hypermedia, distance/online learning, and Internet/web-based applications as tools to actively and cognitively engage all learners. Students will use eFolio Minnesota to develop a multimedia electronic portfolio to document and reflect upon their technology competence. Prerequisites: Recommended concurrent or previous enrollment in EDU 1109.

EDU 1143  Multicultural Education/Human Relations   3.0 cr

Emphasizes the development of classroom teachers who are multiculturally informed, gender fair, and disability aware. Examines issues such as racism, sexism, oppression, prejudice and discrimination. The course aims to increase students' capacity to identify, discuss, and reflect on the ethical dimensions of political, social and personal life and to examine the responsibility of classroom teachers to practice productive citizenship. Emphasis is on demonstrating multicultural competence required of all successful teachers working with diverse youth. Designed to meet State of Minnesota human relations requirement for teacher licensure.

EDU 2008  Introduction to Infant/Child Mental Health   2.0 cr

Provides an introduction to mental health support and intervention for infants, children, and parents. Class sessions explore features of child mental health and mental health care, from prevalence to causes to effective treatments. Students will have opportunities to examine ways that children's overall development is affected by early relationships and social and emotional influences, including but not limited to attachment, temperament, and toxic stress. Includes a comprehensive review of parenting and community resources to provide knowledge of best practices for those interested in working with infants, young children, and their families.

EDU 2018  Instructional Strategies For Diverse Learners   3.0 cr

Examines research-based instructional strategies for successfully meeting the varying needs of students from economically, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse groups. Course content will focus on a wide range of effective principles and instructional strategies, including specific classroom examples and supporting research studies. This course will also explore some of the historical, sociocultural, and critical issues impacting today's schools. Participants will develop an extensive repertoire of instructional strategies, tools, and resources designed to foster increased student achievement and equity in education for all students. This course is designed for prospective educators, teachers, and school paraprofessionals interested in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.

EDU 2020  Foundations of Early Literacy   3.0 cr

Focuses on theories and strategies related to literacy in PreK-3 classroom and home settings. Class sessions feature instructional methods to promote early literacy skill development and provide opportunities to learn about concepts of print, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Includes a review of developmental assessment and evaluation practices. Intended for prospective early childhood or primary teachers, school paraprofessionals, and other educators working with emergent readers.

EDU 2220  Music Education and Pedagogy   3.0 cr

Focuses on the knowledge and skills needed for anyone to experience, understand, produce, discuss and enjoy various forms of music with young children. Examines the characteristics of age-appropriate music activities, how music can integrate with other disciplines, and how to teach music to others. Incorporates music concepts, basic structural elements, principles and vocabulary of music, and current pedagogical practices. The course assumes no musical background and is an introductory course for prospective elementary educators, classroom paraprofessionals or teachers, and other students interested in learning how music pedagogy works. Credit can only be earned in one department. To fulfill goal 6 enroll in MUSC 2220.

EDU 2250  Contemporary Education Topics   cr

Special topics in Urban Education will be presented on a rotating basis. Coursework explores issues and challenges currently facing education in the United States. Topics may relate to special education, diversity, gifted and talented programming, English language learners, education funding, legal issues, classroom initiatives, state and local leadership, and others as pertinent to current/future educational trends. This course may be repeated under different topics.

EDU 2805  Introduction to Children's Literature   3.0 cr

Introduces students to the study and evaluation of literature (picture books, folktales, fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction, young adult fiction, and nonfiction) written for children of all ages. Intended for students interested in a teaching career or in working with children, but is open to all interested students. Access to public libraries is required.
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Transfer Information

The A.S. in Education Foundations at Inver Hills has articulation agreements with the following four-year institutions:

Winona State University

  • B.S. Elementary Education with Early Childhood Emphasis (birth–grade 6 licensure)
  • B.S. K–6 with Middle Level Mathematics (grades K–8 grade licensure)
  • B.S. K–6 with Middle Level Science (grades K–8 grade licensure)
  • B.S. K–6 with Middle Level Social Studies (grades K–8 grade licensure)
  • B.S. K–6 with Middle Level Communication Arts & Literature (grades K–8 grade licensure)

Metropolitan State University

  • B.S. English Teaching (grades 5–12 licensure)
  • B.S. Life Science Teaching (grades 5–12 licensure)
  • B.S. Mathematics Teaching (grades 5–12 licensure)
  • B.S. Urban Early Childhood Education (birth–grade 3 licensure)
  • B.S. Urban Elementary Education (preK–grade 6 licensure)
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Clubs & Organizations

For more information about Clubs & Organizations at Inver Hills, please visit the Clubs & Organizations webpage.

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Employment Information

Profession of a lifetime

Teaching is one of the most rewarding of all professions. Attitudes have shifted from viewing teaching as a starter job to valuing teaching as a lifelong career. Teachers are gifted with the talent to inspire others to learn. Teachers who teach children take on the responsibility of building foundations that guide lives and future careers.

Modern teachers are competent across a range of skills both traditional and new.

Traditional skill set

  • Committed: Teachers are engaged and professional.
  • Prepared: Teachers plan ahead and never stop improving.
  • Organized: Teachers run a tight ship and know their subject matter.
  • Tolerant: Teachers have no room for prejudice or favoritism in their classrooms.
  • Storytelling: Teachers are masters at relating personal experiences, life dramas and world events.
  • Innovative: Teachers are keen to try new teaching methods.
  • Adaptable and receptive: Teachers always welcome questions and debate.

New skill set

  • Tech-savvy: Teachers are the first to explore and grasp breaking technology.
  • Web-wise: Teachers are in the swim with social media.
  • Geek-smart: Teachers are always the most curious people in the room.

Top 10 reasons why teaching is a great profession

  • Power of potential: Every student can find success
  • Student triumphs: You can lead the way
  • Learn what you teach: Master your favorite subject
  • Humor everyday: Teaching is a wellspring of positivity
  • Shape the future: Make a difference in a child's life
  • Youthful attitude: Working with young people keeps you young
  • Independence: Be the creative force in your classroom
  • One big family: Your schedule will line up with raising your own children
  • Career security: Teaching is a job you can count on
  • Summers off: June, July and August spell great vacations

Potential job titles

  • Academic advisor
  • Academic support coordinator
  • Administrator
  • Admissions representative
  • Adjunct professor
  • After school program coordinator
  • Assistant coach
  • Assistant principal
  • Assistant preschool teacher
  • Assistant registrar
  • Associate dean
  • Career counselor
  • Child care assistant
  • Child care center teacher
  • Coach
  • Dean
  • Education coordinator
  • Education specialist
  • Educator
  • Guidance counselor
  • Instructor
  • Lead teacher
  • Preschool director
  • Preschool group leader
  • Preschool specialist
  • Preschool lead teacher
  • Principal
  • Program coordinator
  • Resource development coordinator
  • School administrator
  • School librarian
  • Special education coordinator
  • Substitute teacher
  • Superintendent
  • Superintendent of schools
  • Teacher
  • Teaching assistant
  • Tutor
  • Registrar
  • Youth care worker

Below are just a few examples of possible career paths that can start with earning an A.S. in Education Foundations or an A.S. in Early Childhood Education at Inver Hills.

Additional resources

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Why Inver Hills?

Completing your A.S. in Education Foundations degree obligations at Inver Hills is smart on several key levels:

  1. Design dynamic classroom learning activities using the latest technology, such as iPads and SmartBoards
  2. Be part of a classroom experience alongside teachers working with young people of many cultures
  3. Get a sneak peak of life as a teacher while preparing for licensure
  4. Experience the joy of creating fun environments for children who are full of life and love learning
  5. Plan activities that enhance a child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development
  6. Design plans to support the health, safety and welfare of children and families
  7. Receive an outstanding education with one-on-one interactions with Teacher Education faculty
  8. Benefit from small class sizes in a program with a statewide reputation for excellence
  9. Save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt *

* On a national scale, student loan debt has mushroomed to $1.2 trillion, which is greater than credit card debt and auto loan debt combined. In Minnesota, the average debt for four-year grads tops $30,000; 70 percent carry a student debt load.

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs a little less than $5,300. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000 at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver getting a topflight education firsthand from Ph.D. instructors and then transfer to a four-year as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars. It's a no-brainer.

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