Western Technical College
Published on Western Technical College (https://www.westerntc.edu)

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Educational Assistant

  • Technical Diploma
Educational Assistant Image

Program Number: 

315221

Program Credits: 

49.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$8,043.35

Typical Start: 

Fall
Financial Aid Eligible

The Educational Assistant technical diploma meets the requirement for all school employees working with students to have a minimum of 48 credits beyond a high school diploma. Educational assistants with this diploma are in high demand in schools, where they work under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher. They provide support to school-age students with varying abilities in the classroom, assisting with a range of tasks.

This program covers the first three terms of Western's Foundations of Teacher Education associate degree. Start your career as an assistant with the technical diploma or continue your education to expand your opportunities and earning potential.

Career Opportunities

Educational Assistant
Special Education Assistant
Special Education Paraprofessional
Program Assistant
Instructional Assistant

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate instructional support strategies for content areas
  • Implement developmentally appropriate practices to foster learning
  • Adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners
  • Use proactive classroom management techniques
  • Perform professional responsibilities

Admission Requirements:

College Requirements

Application: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Transcript: 

High School or GED/HSED Transcript

Program Specific Requirements

Additional Requirements:

To enroll in the Educational Assistant Technical Diploma program, first apply for admission to the College, then read the program's Essential Functions and complete a background check. You can find links to these documents below. The last step for admission to the program will be to complete an Intent to Enroll form. Please see the details below.

  • Background Check [2]
  • Contact the Welcome Center to make an appointment with an Admissions Coach [3] to complete your Intent to Enroll form.

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [4].

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

  • Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [5].
  • Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
  • Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [6] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

  • Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [7]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [8].
  • The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [9] or call 608-785-9198.

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons [10]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Additional Information

  • Program Details [11]

Career Pathways: 

Educational Assistant

Prior Learning: 

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [12] about what may apply to this program.

Technical Diploma: 

Educational Assistant

Associate Degree: 

Foundations of Teacher Education

Courses

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [13] for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [14] self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

EDU: Child & Adol Dev
Course Number: 10522106
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Equity in Education
Course Number: 10522112
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Intro to Ed Practices
Course Number: 10522103
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Technology in Ed
Course Number: 10522104
Credits: 3.00
English Composition 1
Course Number: 10801136
Credits: 3.00
Strengths Seminar
Course Number: 10890106
Credits: 1.00

Second Term

EDU: Behavior Management
Course Number: 10522105
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Overview of Spec Ed
Course Number: 10522107
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Practicum 1
Course Number: 10522129
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Techniques in Reading
Course Number: 10522102
Credits: 3.00

Third Term

EDU: Soc Emot Learning & Mental Hlth
Course Number: 10522108
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Supporting Stu w/Disab
Course Number: 10522124
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Techniques in Science
Course Number: 10522120
Credits: 3.00

Fourth Term

EDU: Practicum 2
Course Number: 10522131
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Techniques in Lang Arts
Course Number: 10522114
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Techniques in Math
Course Number: 10522118
Credits: 3.00
EDU: Techniques in Soc Stu
Course Number: 10522119
Credits: 3.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] https://www.westerntc.edu/sites/default/files/programs/documents/EducAsst_Essential_Functions.pdf
[2] https://www.westerntc.edu/sites/default/files/programs/documents/Viewpoint_Background_Check_Instructions.pdf
[3] https://www.westerntc.edu/admissions-coaches
[4] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[5] https://westerntc.libguides.com/blackboardforstudents/
[6] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[7] https://www.westerntc.edu/computer-labs
[8] https://www.westerntc.edu/regional-locations
[9] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[10] https://www.westerntc.edu/learning-commons
[11] https://www.westerntc.edu/sites/default/files/programs/documents/FoTE_EA_Supplemental Information.pdf
[12] https://www.westerntc.edu/credit-prior-learning
[13] https://www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks
[14] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/