Teaching Early College at CCSNH: Credentialing Requirements

View CCSNH Policies for Credentialing Qualifications Here

At the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), teaching Early College courses requires meeting specific credentialing standards, based on both academic qualifications and professional experience. These standards ensure academic rigor while allowing for flexibility in evaluating unique qualifications.

✅ General Requirements

Interested in teaching Early College courses at a CCSNH institution? Faculty credentialing decisions are made case-by-case, based on academic qualifications, professional experience, and accreditation standards. Below is a summary of the minimum requirements by discipline area.

📚 General Education & Non-Technical Disciplines

Includes: English, History, Business, Early Childhood Education, Human Services; Math; Science

You must meet one of the following qualifications:

Option A:
- A Master’s degree in the subject you’ll teach (or a very closely related field)
  Example: A Master's in English to teach English, or a Master's in Physics to teach Math.
Option B:
- A Master’s in Education
- 12 graduate-level credits in the subject to be taught
- A Bachelor’s degree in the subject (or a closely related field)
- At least 2 years of relevant teaching or professional work experience

Additional considerations:

Recognized achievements like certifications, licenses, professional development, or seminars may also support your eligibility.

🛠️ Technical I (Occupational/Trade Areas)

Includes: Welding, Automotive, Massage Therapy, HVAC, Electrical, Machine Tool Technology, etc.

Preferred education requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in the subject area
OR
Bachelor’s in Education AND an Associate’s degree in the subject

Minimum related experience:

At least 3 years of teaching or professional experience

Minimum acceptable qualifications combined education & experience:

Associate’s degree in the subject area
At least 5 years of professional or teaching experience in the subject area

Mandatory:

Possession of required licenses or certifications in the trade or profession

💻 Technical II (Professional/Career Tech Fields)

Includes: Engineering Technology, Computer Technology, Spatial Information Tech, Biotechnology, etc.

Preferred qualifications:

Master’s degree in the subject area
OR
Master’s in Education
12 graduate credits in the subject area
Bachelor’s degree in the subject area
At least 2 years of teaching or professional experience

Minimum acceptable qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in the subject (or closely related field)
OR
Bachelor’s in Education & Associate’s degree in subject area

AND

At least 3 years of teaching or work experience

Mandatory:

Possession of required licenses or certifications in the trade or profession

4. 🏥 Allied Health & Nationally Accredited Programs

These fields have varying credential requirements, often dictated by external accrediting bodies.

Note: These programs are usually not eligible for Early College instruction due to strict accreditation rules. Contact your college’s VP of Academic Affairs for specifics.

🌟 The Eminence Policy: Alternative Qualification Path

If a candidate does not meet formal academic requirements, they may still qualify by demonstrating “eminence” — a level of superior expertise in their field.

To qualify under Eminence:

The candidate must show clear, documented excellence that exceeds typical qualifications
Evidence can include:
- Leadership roles in the field
- Published work or recognized contributions
- Major awards or honors
- Demonstrated peer or industry recognition

Approval Process:

Must be reviewed and approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the President
Eminence may be granted for specific courses, not entire disciplines

📎 Questions or More Info?

Contact your Early College Coordinator to review your qualifications or inquire about teaching Early College.

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