Dr. Annapurna Ganesh and Julie Garner MESA, Arizona – May 6, 2019 -- Having a high-quality teacher at the front of the classroom is the single most critical factor today in student success. Not only does Mesa Community College prepare future teachers, it provides options for practicing educators to maintain their teaching credentials. Both preschool teachers and K-12 public educators are expected to demonstrate they are up-to-date in the field through ongoing professional development.

Julie Garner, Teacher Education coordinator and advisor for the MCC Education Studies Department said, “Those who have teaching certificates issued from the Arizona Department of Education in areas such as Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, or Secondary Education can complete recertification requirements through MCC with either college course credit or professional trainings, such as the MCC Educators Academy.”

Certified teachers need either six semester credits of coursework, or 90 clock hours, or a combination of both, to renew their teaching credential. Courses for credit can be selected from the MCC Education Studies Department class schedule, or teachers may choose to enroll in other courses relevant to the field such as a foreign language or a computer skills course.

Since its inception in 2010, attendees of the MCC Educators Academy workshops have been given certificates of participation to submit as proof of continuing education units or professional development training hours. Over 150 current and future teachers participated in the Spring 2019 workshops held at the MCC Southern & Dobson Campus.

Early childhood educators who work in preschools are required to earn 18 clock hours of training each year. “Teachers can register to attend academy workshops through the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry or directly through the MCC Educators Academy website,” said Dr. Annapurna Ganesh, MCC faculty and director for the MCC Early Care & Education Program.

Teachers in the early care field (birth-PreK) who do not yet have a college diploma are encouraged to take courses toward an MCC certificate or degree such as the Certificate of Completion in Foundations of Early Childhood Education, or the Certificate of Completion in Early Care Specialist, or the Associate in Applied Science in Early Learning and Development.

There are state-supported college scholarships available for those working in or volunteering in the birth-PreK settings and pursuing a degree in early childhood education or a related field.

For more information on professional development for educators, contact Julie Garner at Julie.Garner@Mesacc.edu.

To register for summer or fall courses for credit, visit mesacc.edu/summer-fall. Summer classes begin May 28 and Fall classes start August 17. MCC Educators Academy workshops will resume in Fall 2019.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892 or dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.