UC Clermont's Education Programs Offer Local Launch Pad for Aspiring Teachers

For Andrew Molloy, the third time — and UC Clermont — was the charm. After first enrolling in education programs at both the University of Cincinnati's Uptown Campus and Northern Kentucky University, Molloy was looking for a more personal, affordable college experience. He found an immediate connection and perfect fit at UC Clermont College.

“I have fantastic professors. They are dedicated to making sure their students get the best education possible,” said Molloy, who is enrolled in UC Clermont’s Pre-Secondary English Education program and plans to transfer to NKU to complete his bachelor’s degree. “The faculty members seem to really care, and class sizes are small enough that they are able to form personal relationships with their students.”

That personalized experience is a common reason students are attracted to UC Clermont’s various education programs, said Kathleen Hulgin, assistant professor of education. “Our class sizes can range from 10 to 40 — large enough that students can make meaningful connections with their peers, but small enough that they can speak with the professor after class to clarify an assignment or work through a struggle they’re experiencing,” Hulgin said.

The college offers a variety of associate degree options in early childhood, pre-middle childhood, pre-secondary and pre-special education that transfer to bachelor’s degree programs in UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services or at NKU. The UC Clermont education programs create an affordable, convenient foundation for budding teachers – and often connect them with area schools, including their alma maters, from day one.

“Right off the bat, students are required to volunteer in local schools in connection with their coursework. They develop foundational skills as they work in the schools and community where they grew up,” Hulgin said. “I think this is a highlight of the program for many of our students. They gain confidence and relationships that will eventually help them to get a job in their home communities.”

For Hulgin, who has a background in inclusive education, working with future teachers at the beginning of their academic journeys is a reward in itself. “I love to see students' interest in education develop and inspire them, in spite of challenges they may face,” said Hulgin. “I consider myself a partner with them in that process, and spend a good deal of time talking with and supporting students to manage time pressures and program requirements so they can graduate successfully. That’s exciting.”

For his part, Molloy is grateful for the support and opportunities he’s received at UC Clermont, and he is anxiously looking ahead to his future as a high school English teacher. “I want to help my students look at life through a critical lens and be present in the world they live in,” Molloy said. “Not only in my classroom, but for the rest of their lives.”

Learn more about UC Clermont’s education programs

http://www.ucclermont.edu/academics/academic-departments/social-sciences/ss-degree-programs/edcuation.html

About us:

UC Clermont College is located in the center of Clermont County on 91 beautiful wooded acres in Batavia Township.  The college is an accredited, open-access college offering more than 50 programs, associate degrees and a bachelor degree. UC East, a Clermont County expansion in the former Ford plant in Batavia Township, opened in the fall of 2010. It is home to UC Clermont's Allied Health programs. The college is part of the nationally recognized University of Cincinnati. For more information, call 513-732-5200 or visit www.ucclermont.edu

To apply to UC Clermont College:

http://www.ucclermont.edu/admissions/apply.html

Campus Visit information:

http://www.ucclermont.edu/admissions/visit.html