Teachers shape future generations. From teaching academic subjects and life skills to providing encouragement when a student needs it most, today’s educators do more than simply deliver information in a classroom. They meet students where they are, engaging them in evidence-based, real-world learning experiences. They support students' social and emotional growth while encouraging their academic skill development. Great teachers prepare their students for the challenges of life.
In the Education program, you will learn the following:
How to build your content knowledge in subjects that are used in grades K-6.
What methods work best for practicing your teaching skills.
Why it is important to teach in a matter that is inclusive to all types of students.
Career Options
In the Education program, graduates will be ready to become a teaching assistant or substitute teacher.
Degree Types Offered
Credential Type
Associate Degrees – Transferable Degrees
Long-Term Certificate
– known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
TRANSFER AS A JUNIOR
Graduates of the Associate of Science in Education program also have the foundation needed to transfer to earn a bachelor's degree if desired. This is especially important for students who want to be a teacher and receive their teaching license. The best part? Not only do you get the great foundation of an Ivy Tech education, but you can also save upward of $10,000 by completing your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transferring to a four-year university.
Explore this as an option for both the Elementary and Special Education associate degree paths at many of our locations.
Ivy Tech Community College’sASsociateAcceleratedProgram (ASAP for short) helps qualified high school graduates earn a two-year associate degree in just 11 months! This nationally-recognized, full-time program prepares students to transfer to a four-year college to earn their bachelor’s degree. In fact, 100% of our ASAP students have been accepted into one or more four-year colleges!
Several locations offer their Education associate degrees in this accelerated format, including:
Elementary school sets the tone for a student's educational journey. From primary colors to state capitals, children grow so much in their time from kindergarten to sixth grade. Graduates from Ivy Tech's Associate of Science in Elementary Education program have the tools to provide the best possible learning experience for their future students.
Graduates of the AS in Elementary Education can also choose to transfer to a four-year college or university where they can earn a bachelor’s degree. The AS in Elementary Education is designated as a TSAP program (which stands for “Transfer Single Articulation Pathway”), which enables students to transfer to Indiana public four-year institutions with automatic junior status. You can save upward of $10,000 by completing your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transferring to a four-year college. Talk to our transfer advocates for information about continuing your education after completing your degree at Ivy Tech.
Note that admission is not guaranteed just by enrolling in the AS in Elementary Education. You will need to be admitted to the institution you intend to transfer to. Learn more about Transfer as a Junior (TSAP) programs.
Time to Complete
An Associate of Science in Elementary Education degree can be achieved in 4 semesters, or about two years.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
Special education teachers give students with differing abilities the tools they need to have a great learning experience. While special needs students will have different benchmarks for success in the classroom, it is important to have educators who can ensure that they meet their goals - no matter what they might be. From dyslexia to cerebral palsy, all students deserve to have a teacher who is able to bring out the best in them and can recognize that every student belongs in a classroom.
Graduates of the AS in Special Education can also choose to transfer to a four-year college or university where they can earn a bachelor’s degree. The AS in Special Education is designated as a TSAP program (which stands for “Transfer Single Articulation Pathway”), which enables students to transfer to Indiana public four-year institutions with automatic junior status. You can save upward of $10,000 by completing your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transferring to a four-year college. Talk to our transfer advocates for information about continuing your education after completing your degree at Ivy Tech.
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
The Elementary Education Technical Certificate (TC) gives Ivy Tech students the opportunity to earn a credential that will help them get to the classroom in about a year. With this technical certificate, you can be well on your way to a bachelor's degree in elementary education or start your career as a teaching assistant.
Education – Elementary & Special is offered at 22 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana. Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options:
Do you want to help develop the minds of elementary school-aged children?
Do you want to enter a workforce with immediate opportunities for job placement in a high-demand field?
Do you enjoy presenting to groups and demonstrating how things work?
Are you patient with young people and passionate about helping children grow?
Does This Sound Like You?
If you thought "yes" to any of the questions above, a career in education may be just what you are looking for! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
Students coming to Ivy Tech with their high school diploma or equivalent can start straight into the degree program without completing any prerequisite courses as long as they are considered college ready by the knowledge assessment.
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit
Courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech can be awarded for general education and/or program-specific courses, as along as courses appear on a student's transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least 4 weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Education Courses
Descriptions of education courses can be found in our online course catalog. View required classes and course descriptions for:
See when specific classes will be offered by searching our class list in Schedule Builder. First select the semester you are looking for and then enter the name of the class in the search bar.
If you're a current student, upcoming classes are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Big Dreams? Go for Honors
If you're motivated and want a more robust, personalized academic experience, consider enhancing your associate degree in Elementary or Special Education by pursuing an Honors pathway. Honors courses are fully virtual with opportunities to meet and network with honors students and faculty across the state. The coursework is designed to support a student’s spirit of inquiry and intellectual growth, as well as foster multicultural awareness and leadership. View eligibility requirements
Graduating with an Elementary or Special Education degree with an Honors pathway can help you stand out as a high-achieving college student, boost your resume, and help you land an acceptance letter to a top four-year college or university.
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
Are you a K-12 teacher? Needing to renew your license?
If you are a K-12 teacher and in need of coursework for license renewal, you can take those classes right here on Ivy Tech Community College's Fort Wayne campus. Just visit our Enrollment Center (North Campus, Student Life Center, 3701 Dean Drive, Fort Wayne) and be sure to tell us you want to enroll as a “courses only” student for continuing education (CEU). Call 260-482-9171 option 2 for more information.
Amanda M. Purcell, M.Ed. Associate Professor & Program Chair of Education, Liberal Arts, General Studies, & Student Success Acting Dean, School of Arts, Sciences, & Education (812) 537-4010 ext. 5235 apurcell15@ivytech.edu
Dr. Sarah Haisley Department Chair and Professor of Education Ivy Tech Community College 345 S. High St. Muncie, IN 47305 765-289-2291 ext. 1733 sclement@ivytech.edu
“My time at Ivy Tech was Wonderful! I was able to work both online and in the classroom and had classes that worked with my schedule at a lower cost! The education program is filled with amazing, helpful staff and my peers were amazing! ”
–Jacob C. | Grad with Associate Degree in Elementary Education
“I am so grateful for my experience at Ivy Tech. Participating in the education program has been such a great experience for me. The classes were very informative, but also so much fun. My instructors were amazing, and they truly care for their students. I will forever be happy that I chose to begin my college journey at Ivy Tech!”
–Garynn Sims-Jones | Grad with Associate Degree in Elementary Education
“When I signed up for Ivy Tech's Elementary Education Associates Program, I had three children at home and was nearing 40, which made me anxious about keeping up with the workload. However, I quickly discovered that the instructors are incredible! They're accommodating and flexible, making it possible for me to balance my studies with my busy schedule. With various class time options available, I could easily fit them into my work and family life. Choosing Ivy Tech was one of the best decisions I've made, and I can't wait to graduate this Fall and see what the future holds.”
–Maria Baldwin | Grad with Associate Degree in Elementary Education
“My educational journey began with the love and feeling of belonging that I received from my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hatching. Being an immigrant student meant having many insecurities that many teachers helped turn into strengths. Seeing my parents struggle to communicate with the school staff led me to want to be the bridge of communication for English language learning students and families. After working in Education for 18 years and putting my daughter through college, I decided it was my turn to go to college. Thanks to Ivy Tech’s multi-class delivery options and especially the caring, helpful, and understanding professors I have been able to continue my educational journey. The support I received when things got tough reminded me that everyone goes through difficult times and that overcoming those hard times through perseverance and being resilient is what made me strong enough to overcome anything. It’s my turn, and it’s never too late!”
–Ivonne Torres Moreno | Grad with Associate Degree in Elementary Education
Featured Faculty & Staff
Krystal Madden
Department Chair
Valparaiso
Clifford Jack
Department Chair of Public Affairs & Social Services, Associate Professor
Lafayette
Andrea Jefferson
Program Chair
Evansville
Dr. Sarah Haisley
Department Chair
Muncie
Krystal Madden
Department Chair
Valparaiso
Clifford Jack
Department Chair of Public Affairs & Social Services, Associate Professor
Lafayette
Andrea Jefferson
Program Chair
Evansville
Dr. Sarah Haisley
Department Chair
Muncie
Krystal is deeply committed to education and dedicated to empowering future teachers. Her passion for guiding students towards achieving their aspirations is reflected in the student testimonial below:
I look forward to Professor Madden’s classes every time, because I know I’m coming into a welcoming environment, where my dreams of becoming a teacher are not only encouraged, but nurtured. I remember how emotional I felt in my first EDUC course; Professor Madden made me feel so incredibly excited and validated in becoming a teacher. I was nervous, but her friendly charisma and positive demeanor made me feel comfortable. I have learned so much from her, things that can’t be found in textbooks, but from experience. I’ve already been able to bring some of this knowledge and advice into my service learning. Professor Madden is singularly exceptional, and I could not ask for a better education professor.
— Valparaiso Student
Clifford Jack is focused on community service to the Greater Lafayette area for K-12 education. He serves on both the Greater Lafayette Commerce-Golden Apple Teaching Award Committee and Strategic Planning Team for the West Lafayette Community School Corporation. Clifford also developed a professional partnership with Junior Achievement for Ivy Tech Lafayette campus service area.
Andrea Jefferson was the winner of the Evansville area President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction in 2018 and 2022.
Mrs. Jefferson went out of her way to help me understand the material and made things not so overwhelming.
— Taylor M. | Former Student
I just wanted to thank you for the all the help you gave me throughout my two years at Ivy Tech. Coming into Ivy Tech I was never a great student or cared about school. But when I got to Ivy a tech you helped me with a lot like scheduling classes, school work, and being a really awesome teacher.
I just wanted to reach out to you and tell you how much you made me enjoy my time at Ivy Tech and how much I learned from you. So thank you for being a really awesome teacher and working with me for the past two years!" Quote from Muncie/Henry Co VCAA Emery Peck "Sarah does not just contribute to the well-being of her program, she facilitates everyone's contribution. She listens to her students, respects all ideas and determines how best to move everyone forward, improving both the process at hand and the students learning.
— Former Student
Find Local Admissions Contact Info
Don't see a nearby location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
If you’re not yet an Ivy Tech student, contact us at 1-888-489-5463 and we’ll be happy to help.
Current Students
Contact your academic advisor, who can answer any questions you have about the Education – Elementary & Special program and your certificate and degree options.
Find Local Advising Contact Info
Don't see a nearby location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5:00pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12:00pm Zoom Link
Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
