10%

The Next Generation of Teachers

Ready for a career shift? Learn to teach at CCBC.

By CCBC Stories

January 16^th, 2025

Finding a new path to a rewarding career

While the teaching profession has faced challenges in recent years, it continues to be a solid career with great benefits and job opportunities. With the landscape of teacher education ever-evolving, institutions like CCBC are playing a vital role in attracting and preparing the next generation of educators.

Despite a decline in interest among high school students, CCBC has observed steady enrollment in its Teacher Education program. This is largely due to a shift in the types of students seeking to enter the field. Many are older adults looking for a career change, bringing with them a wealth of life experience and a renewed passion for education.

“The landscape has changed significantly,” said CCBC Teacher Education Coordinator Paul Taylor. “We’re seeing more people with bachelor’s degrees in other fields choosing to become teachers.”

Providing career options

CCBC offers a diverse range of teacher education programs to cater to various career aspirations. For those interested in gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to work in home daycares or child care centers, CCBC offers an Associate of Applied Arts in early childhood education. For those seeking to teach in K-12 schools, the Associate of Arts in teaching program offers a personalized experience, hands-on field training and a pathway to a bachelor’s degree.

“We’re committed to providing comprehensive education and training to our students,” said Taylor. “At CCBC, you can get everything you need to start your teaching career or continue your education at a four-year institution while saving costs.”

Jessica Brown-Strott, also a coordinator within CCBC’s Teacher Education program, says teaching is truly a calling. Having spent years teaching in public schools, she feels compelled to provide students with a realistic view of the profession.

“It’s not just ‘heart work,’ it’s ‘hard work.’”

“I loved my time in the classroom, but every day isn’t easy,” said Brown-Strott, reinforcing that even the most passionate teachers know the profession comes with challenges. It’s not just ‘heart work,’ it’s ‘hard work.’ That’s why I believe the in-person field experience within our program is so valuable. It gives students a realistic view of the classroom environment and makes them better prepared for the classroom and for continuing their education at a four-year institution.”

Bronwyn Haye, a CCBC Teacher Education student, shared that she couldn’t imagine being anything other than a teacher.

“When the opportunity arose for me to attend college, I couldn’t imagine pursuing anything other than teaching,” said Haye. “I was so excited to learn that CCBC had such an excellent Teacher Education program.”

Haye is currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education. Ultimately, she wants to open a preschool for children with special needs. She dreams of having her own classroom where she can teach and inspire curious little minds.

“I want to be a teacher because I love kids,” said Haye. “Children are our future, and what a privilege it would be to help shape the minds of our future.”

As the teaching profession continues to evolve, CCBC remains committed to preparing educators to meet today’s workforce needs. With a focus on quality education, diverse program offerings and a commitment to student success, CCBC is poised to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of teachers.