Education Programs at JCC

Inspire the next generation through teaching

At Jamestown Community College, you can begin your career in the education field, whether you want to become a teacher, counselor, administrator, or any role that welcomes learning. You can work in public or private schools, youth organizations, residential life, rehabilitation centers, tutoring, and other areas.

Education programs

  • Adolescence Education (A.S.): Your goal is to work with adolescents in grades 7-12. This degree is preferred if you want to be a teacher in the public school system.
  • Childhood Education (A.S.): Your goal is to work with children in grades 1-6. This degree is preferred if you want to be a teacher in the public school system.
  • Early Childhood Education (A.S.): Your goal is to work with young children from birth through grade 2. This degree is preferred if you want to be a teacher in the public school system.
  • Early Childhood (A.A.S.): Your goal is to work with young children from birth through preschool, possibly as a teacher in childcare centers or aide in schools.
  • Early Childhood Development (certificate): Your goal is to work with young children from birth through preschool, possibly as an assistant in childcare centers. The certificate is great as part of a more complete career ladder in early childhood education and care.

Note: For our A.S. degrees, to be a public school teacher, you'll need to transfer and complete a four-year program to be eligible for initial certification.

Resources & information

  • Dr. Renee L. Funke | Director, Teacher Education and Coordinator, Field Placements | 716.338.1219 | Offices: HULT 223 (Jamestown Campus) and LLAC 317 (Cattaraugus County Campus)
  • Beth Starks | Adjunct Instructor, Education
  • Ella Ames | Adjunct Instructor, Education
  • Deborah Deppas | Adjunct Instructor, Education
  • Bridget Majka | Adjunct Instructor, Education
  • Heather Metzger | Adjunct Instructor, Education
  • Kelli Spink | Adjunct Instructor, Education

Mission/statement of purpose: The Teacher Education Club provides students with additional opportunities related to education and connecting with educational resources.

Students involved in the JCC Teacher Education Club will:

  • Gain additional experience opportunities
  • Experience opportunities related to topics for professional growth
  • Participate in special events related to education

Benefits club can provide to campus community/general student body/local community:

  • The Teacher Education Club has co/sponsored guest speakers open to the campus.
  • The Teacher Education Club is open to all students interested in working in an educational setting.
  • The Teacher Education Club has provided Striders and the GA Center with tutors and interns.
  • The Teacher Education Club participated in a drives for items benefitting local agencies.

Goals for the academic year:

  • Explore tutoring and internship opportunities
  • Develop professional portfolio
  • Connect with the educational community and resources
  • Utilize the club as an opportunity for Honors students to share their research related to education
  • Attend an education conference

Past activities:

  • Guest speakers
    • LouAnne Johnson
    • Striders
    • GA Center principal
    • NYSUT (Teacher’s Union) representative
    • Kirk Young – leadership development
    • United Way
    • JCC internship coordinator
  • Portfolio and resume development
  • New instructional techniques
  • Mock interviews
  • Create make and take activities to use in internships
  • Educational Honors Research Projects – platform/discussion
  • Attended an education conference
  • Collection of food and school supplies for local agencies
  • Planned and facilitated STEM Day at a middle school

The Teacher Education Handbook contains information related to JCC programs, department protocol, and field placements.