Delaware County Community College Offers Fast Track to Teaching Careers for High School Juniors

ClassroomImage via Pixabay

MEDIA, PA — Delaware County Community College (DCCC) is offering a unique opportunity for high school juniors interested in education careers. The college’s two-year Teacher Education Program allows students to earn up to 38 college credits toward an education degree, all at no cost to them or their families.

This dual enrollment program, a partnership between DCCC and the Delaware County Council, was created to address a critical shortage of teachers in the area. Students enrolled in the program will attend classes at DCCC’s Marple Campus in Media. Those who complete the two-year program will earn 38 college credits that can be transferred into an associate degree program at DCCC or a four-year institution like West Chester University.

By providing college credits to high school students, the Teacher Education Program aims to expedite the process of preparing students to become qualified teaching professionals. Seats in the program will be awarded on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis.

This month, DCCC will host information sessions, both virtual and in-person, for Delaware County high school students interested in joining the new cohort starting in August 2024. Key dates for interested students are:

  • Virtual Information Session: January 25, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (register here)
  • Application open date: January 26, 2024
  • Application deadline: March 7, 2024
  • Testing Deadline: April 25, 2024
  • Registration begins in May for eligible students. Eligibility is determined by course placement.

A similar program is being offered in Chester County, in partnership with DCCC and the Avon Grove School District, Octorara School District, and Oxford Area School District.

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For additional information or questions, students and their parents can call 610-359-5050 or email admiss@dccc.edu. Interested students should also consult with their high school guidance counselors.

This initiative by DCCC is a significant step towards addressing the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania and offers a unique opportunity for students to jump-start their teaching careers. By providing this avenue, DCCC hopes to inspire the next generation of teachers and give them a head start in their journey toward shaping young minds.

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