Find out what classes you need to graduate!

Did you know that you have access 24/7 to a tool that will help you figure out exactly which classes you need to complete your degree program and graduate?

It's called your Academic Evaluation and you can check your progress any time on MyAACC following these step-by-step instructions:

https://www.aacc.edu/myaacc/help/file/EvaluateProgramProgress.pdf

If you have any developmental requirements (reading, writing & math), you'll want to complete those ASAP!  If you see "Required" next to any of these courses, you'll need to get started with those. Contact me if you're not sure where to start with your developmental coursework.

If a credit course requirement has been completed, you will see the semester, the grade, and the number of credits for that course.  If you still need to complete a course, it will indicate "1 course needed."  

A course you are taking or one for which you are registered, will be noted by (IP) for "in progress."

Steps for Success:

1. Evaluate your program progress to create a list of the courses you still need to graduate.
2. Determine which classes to take in Winter & Spring
3. Register for Classes (Here are instructions for how to get yourself registered)

Want some help with this process?  E-mail janagiel@aacc.edu from your MyAACC email address with a list of courses you're planning to take for next semester.  I'll check your options to make sure you're on the right track!

Not ready to do this on your own, schedule an advising appointment as soon as possible.  There are just a few appointments left before winter break!

Preschool Aide

Anchors-A-Wee Preschool is looking for a teacher aide for a 2 year old class.

This is a great way to get experience working with young children.

Hours are 8:15-11:30 on Tuesday/Thursday from January to May.

Requirements: Need to love children

Background check is required

For more information or to apply, contact:

Laura Carty

410-757-6556

aawpreschool@verizon.net

Spring Registration Now Open

Don't forget - you can register now and pay later!

For information about the payment plans, visit

http://www.aacc.edu/tuitionfees/spring.cfm

National Student Day

Here's a message from the manager of the AACC Book Store:

The fourth annual National Student Day is Thursday, October 9^th.

Please join us in the cafeteria in the Student Union from 10AM until 2PM. 

National Student Day is a celebration of student volunteerism and social responsibility.

The event will feature tables from the following groups:

·         Office of Student Engagement

·         Service Learning

·         Student Achievement and Success Program

·         Sustainability Learning Design Team

·         Health Services

·         Internship Office

·         PepsiCo

·         AACC Dining Services

·         Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company

·         AACC Student Food Pantry

Donations will be accepted for the duration of the event on behalf of the Student Food Pantry. Anyone donating goods or making a monetary contribution will be entered into a drawing for one of two $25 American Express Gift Checks.

A list of the most commonly requested or needed items is provided below:

·         Individually packaged cereal

·         Peanut butter

·         Juice boxes

·         Canned or packaged soups with pop-tops

·         Ramen noodles or cup-o-noodles

·         Canned seafood or meats (pop-top / easy-open preferred)

·         Individually packaged fruit

·         Single-serving shelf-stable microwave meals (Hormel Compleats, etc.)

·         Granola bars, chips, crackers

·         Toiletries (toothpaste, bar soap, deodorant)

Your support is greatly appreciated!

Salisbury Admissions Information

If you're planning to transfer to Salisbury University, applications are now available for Spring 2015 and Fall 2015!

• Apply at www.salisbury.edu/apply

• Application priority deadlines:

        Spring 2015 - October 1st

        Fall 2015 - March 1st

Questions about admissions requirements? Check out their transfer website.  

Want to learn more about life at Salisbury?  Be sure to attend a Saturday Open House this fall.  Register online at www.salisbury.edu/admissions/visit.

September 13
October 4
November 1

For more information about the Education Department, visit http://www.salisbury.edu/teachered/ or come visit with a Salisbury representative at our AACC Teacher Education Fair on Tuesday, October 14.  Visit http://www.aacc.edu/teach/fair.cfm for more details!

Get Involved on Campus!

Now that you're settled into your fall classes, check out these opportunities to get involved and make the most of your college experience!

Student Activities Fair

Wednesday, September 10

10 am – 2 pm in the Quad on the Arnold Campus

This is a great event for students who are looking to get involved. Over 40 clubs will be represented, so students can walk around and talk to students in different clubs to find out what may be a good fit for them. As you know, studies show that students who make connections and get involved on campus perform better and are more likely to graduate.  Be sure to stop by the Student Education Association table!

Student Services Resource Fair

Monday, September 15

11 am – 2 pm in the Student Union Dining Hall, Arnold Campus

This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the resources available on campus.  Offices that will participate include Student  Engagement, CARS, Health Services, HelpLink, Tutoring, Athletics, Library, Financial Aid, Child Development Center, Service Learning, Internships, Veterans Affairs, Substance Abuse Education and SASP. Students will also have the opportunity to meet the Dean of Student Services, Dr. Jacqueline Jackson, from 12 – 1.

Community Service Fair     

Tuesday, September 16

10 am – 2 pm in the Student Union Dining Hall, Arnold Campus

Another great way to get connected, help others, or find out about community resources available for you and your family!

·         Identify opportunities for service-learning projects for your courses

·         Discover service projects for your department or club

·         Meet community partners who work with our service-learning students

·         Explore volunteer opportunities that meet your interests

·         Learn about community resources for students, friends, family, and yourself

Pathways to Success Workshops

Check out these programs offered throughout the semester.  Workshop topics include everything from stress &  time management, and test-taking skills, to career exploration and choosing a major:

http://www.aacc.edu/careers/file/Pathways.pdf

Praxis I Replaced by Praxis CORE

As of September 1, 2014, the PRAXIS I exam will no longer be offered.  The Maryland State Department of Education has officially announced that the basic skills testing requirement will change from the PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills (PPST) tests to the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators tests. These tests are similar and cover the same three content areas: reading, writing, and math.  For a comparison of the PRAXIS I and the PRAXIS CORE, click here.  

There is no composite score for the PRAXIS CORE.  Students must achieve the following passing scores in order to meet the basic skills testing requirement for certification and completion of the AAT:

Reading - 156

Writing - 162

Math - 150

MSDE (and AACC) will also accept the following scores as successful completion of the Basic Skills requirement:

Praxis I: Composite score of 527 (prior to 9/1/2014)

SAT: 1100 on math & verbal (after April 1995) and 1000 on math & verbal (prior to April 1995)

ACT: Composite score of 24

GRE: 297 (after 9/1/2011) or 1000 (prior to 9/1/2011)

For more information about Praxis preparation, visit http://www.aacc.edu/teach/praxis.cfm.  We will post more resources for PRAXIS CORE as they become available.

If you have any questions, please email me at janagiel@aacc.edu

TEACH Grant

If you are planning to teach in a high-need field such as science, math, special education, world languages or English as a second language (among others), and are willing to teach in a school serving low-income students, you may be eligible for the TEACH grant.

The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program provides up to $4,000 per year for college students who meet eligibility requirements and commit to teaching at least four years in a high-need field in a low-income school.

Eligible programs at AACC include:

• AAT.EDU.SEC-CHEM Secondary Education, Chemistry
• AAT.EDU.SEC-MATH Secondary Education, Math
• AAT.EDU.SEC-PHYS Secondary Education, Physics
• AAT.EDU.SEC-SPA Secondary Education, Spanish

The following degree programs are eligible, but only for students planning to teach special education:

• AAT.EDU.ELEM-ESE Elementary Education, Special Education 
• AAT. EDU.ECE Early Childhood Education, Special Education

For eligibility information, please view the TEACH Grant Interest Form.  If you are interested, you can copy and submit the completed form to Rachel Siegenthaler in the Financial Aid Office.  

If you have any questions about the grant, please contact Jill Nagiel, TEACH Advisor, at 410-777-1962.

AACC Child Development Center Now Hiring

 Preschool Assistant/Co-Teacher

The Child Development Center on our Arnold Campus is hiring part-time Assistant Teachers (20-25 hours per week) to assist in classrooms for 2-5 year olds.

This is a great opportunity for gaining experience in a high quality early education program.

For more details, visit http://www.aacc.edu/employment/temp_CDCAsst.cfm

If you're transferring to the University of Maryland, College Park, you are going to want to know about:

They have developed a great series of programs to help you manage the transition from the community college to the big University!  For details about this unique opportunity, check out http://thestamp.umd.edu/student_involvement/t2t

Register now for Fall 2014!

Register today and get the courses you want when you want them...

http://www.aacc.edu/recreg/waystoregister.cfm

How to Register for Praxis I

Praxis I slots are filling up fast, so be sure to register soon for a testing location that is convenient for you!

Here is a step-by-step guide for Praxis I registration:

Step 1: Create a Praxis Account at https://www.ets.org/praxis/register/

 

Step 2:  Review your Information & Click Continue

Step 3: Create a user name, password, and security question & review Terms & Conditions

Step 4:  On your Praxis Home page, click on Register for Praxis Test 

Step 5: Review this information and click "I Agree" to continue

 Step 6: Complete the Background Information (as clearly as you can)

 Step 7: Select the Information for Maryland & the Maryland Dept of Education

Step 8: Select the appropriate Test Code(s)

 Step 9: Confirm selected Test 
(PPST Combined refers to taking all 3 tests on the same day)

 Step 10: Select a Testing Center

 Step 11: Select a testing date and time

Step 12: Confirm Test

Step 13: Identify your Attending Institution: AACC

(You can also add your transfer institution)

Step 14: Confirm Test and Complete Payment Process

eAdvising now available

Praxis I to be Replaced by Praxis CORE

The Praxis I refers to the Pre-Professional Skills Tests (reading, writing & math) currently required for teacher certification in Maryland.  Starting in September 2014, teacher candidates who have not yet passed the Praxis I will be required to take the Praxis Core.

Students completing an AAT degree at AACC, must complete this testing requirement in order to graduate.

Students who do not have passing scores by the end of August 2014, will need to take the new Praxis CORE.  Students will not be able to combine passing scores on the Praxis I with those on the Praxis Core.

If you took the SAT, ACT or GRE, you may already have qualifying test scores.  Visit bitly.com/satpraxis to find out.

Who should take the Praxis I this summer?

·         Students who have started taking, but have not

yet passed the Praxis I

·         Students planning to graduate in Fall 2014 or Spring 2015

·         Students who have already completed a college level math course (especially MAT 221)

·         Students who have completed the English requirement (ENG 111 & 112 or ENG 121)

Things to know

·       If you take an exam, you must wait 30 days to retake it

·       On the computer-based tests, you get your Math & Reading scores right away

·       Be sure to have your scores sent to AACC when you register

Significant Differences Between the Praxis I and Praxis Core

Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills	Praxis Core Academic Skills
Composite Score Allowed (527)	No Composite Score Recommended
2 hours, 40 minutes for combined	3 hours, 5 minutes for combined
Reading: 40 multiple choice	Reading: 56 multiple choice
Writing: 38 MC Questions, 1 essay	Writing:40 MC Questions, 2 essays
Math: 40 MC Questions	Math: 56 MC and numeric answers
Details:  http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/praxisi	Details: http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/core/

What's your next step?

Check out the transfer options for Maryland Approved Teacher Education programs available at:

http://bit.ly/TEACHtransfer

Questions?  Contact your AACC TEACH Advisor at janagiel@aacc.edu

Crafting a Teacher Resume

While developing a teacher portfolio is essential, you will also need a carefully edited and thoughtfully developed resume for employment purposes.

Here are some samples to get you started:

Resume Guide for Teachers from DePaul University

Resumes and Cover Letters for Teachers from Western Washington University

Resume Writing Handbook for Teachers from Manhattanville College

Ready to create your resume?  Take advantage of the Optimal Resume tool available for AACC students.  For more details, visit https://aacc.optimalresume.com/

Job Opportunity

Are you interested in working with children with autism (ages 11 & 13)?

A Pasadena family is looking for support from 4-6 pm weekdays and some weekend hours.  

$14 per hour

Experience is preferred, but training is possible.

Creativity and a desire to learn are required!

If interested, please contact the parent at 410-693-5206 or jill@zaukus.net

Orientation Leaders Needed

Are you looking for a job this summer?  

Join AACC in welcoming new students by becoming an Orientation Leader!  

Earn $10 an hour while helping new students and their families, developing your leadership skills, making new friends and learning more about AACC.  

Application packets are available in SUN 202 and are due by May 1^st.  

Contact Danielle Brookhart at 410-777-2653 or djbrookhart@aacc.edu for additional information.

Interested in a teaching career?

If you have a bachelor's degree in a field other than Education and are interested in teaching, there are ways to earn your Maryland Teacher Certification.  Want to learn how?

Attend a Career Changer Information Session!

For program dates and to RSVP, please visit http://bit.ly/AACCTeach

AACPS now hiring substitute teachers

Anne Arundel County Public Schools is currently in search of substitute teachers.  Being a substitute teacher is a great way to gain classroom teaching experience and make connections in the school.

Visit http://www.aacps.org/humanresources/external.asp for details about this and other employment opportunities.

Environmental Literacy - Teach for a Day

On Monday March 24th, volunteers from SEA will be teaching a module about the Chesapeake Bay at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center. There are two different ways to get involved with this event. 

Head teacher volunteers (8:30 am – 5 pm) will lead lessons throughout the day.  These head teachers will be trained on module content from 8:30 – 10.  This is great practice for future teachers!

Lesson volunteers (rotations throughout the day) will assist as co-teachers for the lessons.

10-11:30 am, 1-2:30 pm, 3-4:30 pm

You are more than welcome to sign up for more than one rotation! You can sign up using the Google Doc link below. Once you sign up, you will be contacted with further information. This is a great way to extend your professional development. You will receive a certificate to put in your portfolio. Hope to see you there!

If you have questions, you can email Athena Chambers: agchambers@mymail.aacc.edu

Sign-up here: http://bit.ly/EchoSEA

Early Childhood Job Opportunity

If you're interested in a position

at the Goddard School of Pasadena, 

please contact the Director at 

dpasadenamd@goddardschools.com or call 410-439-9655.

Preschool Teachers Needed!

The Goddard School in Gambrills

is NOW HIRING Full Time and Part Time teachers as well Floaters/Substitutes.  

They are looking for experienced teachers with flexible hours to join their team. You can learn more about our school at www.goddardschools.com

 

Please call 410-721-0000 for more information or send your resume directly to Gambrillsmd@goddardschools.com

Limited positions available apply TODAY!