Mission
We believe teachers can change communities. Our mission is to prepare our students to be Day 1 ready to work with children in the educational pathway of their choice. We do this by recognizing our students' individual stories and lived experiences and use this insight to find meaningful solutions to close the opportunity gap. With rigorous research-based curriculum, current teaching practices and support from beginning to completion of their educational journey, our students become agents of change, practitioners of learning, and champions of equity in their community.
About Us
Would a career in education be the right choice for you? Aside from being knowledgeable in their subject, teachers and others working in the field of education must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand the students’ educational and emotional needs. Teachers must be able to recognize and respond to individual and cultural differences in students and employ different teaching methods that will result in higher student achievement.
Education and Early Childhood programs include the lower-division courses required for entry into the Teacher Education Program (TEP), a baccalaureate program at New Mexico State University. Alternatively, students may opt to transfer to a similar program at another four-year institution. Completion of this program does NOT guarantee admission into a Teacher Education Program at a four-year institution. Early in their second year of study at DACC, students should contact the four-year institution they have chosen to obtain application information.
Dona Ana Community College currently offers two programs that serve as portals to the field at large, while at the same time preparing students to obtain practical employment after as little as two years of study in Education and Early Childhood Education.
EDUCATION. The Associate Degree in Education prepares students to transfer into the Teacher Education Program at New Mexico State University, or a similar four-year baccalaureate program at another institution.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION. The Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education Program prepares students to become highly qualified teachers, assistant teachers, or family day care providers in professional child care for children from birth through age 8.
Programs
Education
Aside from being knowledgeable in their subject, teachers and others working in the field of education must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand the students’ educational and emotional needs.
Early Childhood Education
Teachers and others working in the field of early childhood education must have strong foundational knowledge in child development theory and demonstrate practical skills while working directly with infants, toddlers, and young children.