Career Focus Magazine Fall 2010 - Los Medanos College

Fall 2010

Volume 5 • Issue 1

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New to College?

Welcome!

We’re here to support your success See page 2

In the Line of Fire

A career as a fire fighter See page 6

Focus on the Brentwood Center

A great place to begin your bachelor’s degree See page 4

New Art Facilities Open Fall 2010

$2.4 million facilities provide cutting-edge lab space See page 8

Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg, CA 94565

NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID ANN ARBOR, MI PERMIT NO. 48

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Teaching Is Something You Can Believe In Find your pathway to teaching See page 10

Fall 2010 A P P LY O N L I N E N O W

ONLINE APPLICATIONS ARE PROCESSED WITHIN 15 MINUTES! Register for fall classes online or by phone. Don’t wait, classes fill quickly!

Online and phone registration begins May 19

Walk-in registration begins August 2 Current high school students must register in person beginning August 3

Check out the Fall 2010 Schedule of Classes at

www.losmedanos.edu/schedule.

Publisher:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Garcia President, Los Medanos College

Editor:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Cella Director of Marketing and Media Design

Contributing Writers: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tawny Beal Jorge Cea Barbara Cella Mike Grillo Kiran Kamath Thais Kishi Richard Livingston

Features

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Dr. Anthony T. Gordon, President John T. Nejedly, Vice President Jess H. Reyes, Secretary

New to College? Welcome!

We’re here to support your success

Focus on the Brentwood Center A great place to begin your bachelor’s degree

LMC Programs

Visit us at: www.losmedanos.edu

Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees:

C areerFoc us

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Contents

Questions about the Los Medanos College programs and services described in this publication should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 925.439.2181. Comments or questions about the publication itself can be directed to the LMC Marketing Department at 925.439.2181, ext. 3242.

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Tomi Van de Brooke, Member

In the Line of Fire A career as a fire fighter

New Art Facilities Open Fall 2010 $2.4 million facilities will provide cutting-edge lab space

Teaching Is Something You Can Believe In Start your career in education at LMC

Sheila Grilli, Member Brandon Amargo, Student Trustee Chancellor: Dr. Helen Benjamin CareerFocus is published annually by Los Medanos College, 2700 East Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565.

progrAMS

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All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

Los Medanos College A-Z

Check out our programs, degrees and certificates

© 2010 Los Medanos College

NEW!

CareerFocus Café

www.careerfocuscafe.com

An online resource for students, job-hunters and workers

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925.439.2181 Los Medanos College I www.losmedanos.edu

On the cover: LMC graduates wave to a happy, supportive crowd of friends and family.

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New to College?

Welcome!

If you are finishing high school and are getting ready to go to college or if you have made the decision to start college to prepare for a new career, congratulations and WeLCOMe TO COLLege!

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By Jorge Cea

ike most new experiences, taking the first step is often the most challenging. At Los Medanos College, we have developed a smooth process and a series of services to assist you as you start and continue your college education.

Steps to Getting Started in College: * The first step is to submit an application to the college. * Second, sign up for a New Student Orientation or New Student Workshop. * Third, sign-up and take the Assessment Test. * And fourth, attend the orientation/workshop and register for classes.

For more information, visit: www.losmedanos.edu/newstudent At New Student Orientation, you will receive an LMC Student Handbook, a valuable resource and a guide to support YOUR student success. The handbook is a lso ava i lable on l i ne: www.losmedanos.edu/ studenthandbook/

More Young Students Are Attending College Recently there has been an increase in the number of students starting college. Last year was a record year for most colleges in California, including Los Medanos College.

The academic year 2010-11 is expected to have the largest entering college class throughout the country. These young adults are making their presence felt on college campuses everywhere.

It is important that you, as a new student, understand that college is an adult learning environment. As such, adult behavior is expected. We recommend that you review our Student Code of Conduct which provides the foundation for classroom conduct and college behavior at Los Medanos College: www.losmedanos.edu/ studentcodeofconduct.

Any student who violates the code of conduct is subject to suspension f rom the college and the Contra Costa Community College District.

Incidents such as this are rare but they do happen. We also would like to share that Los Medanos College is one of the safest college campuses, as reported by the Contra Costa Community College District: www.4cd.edu/police_services/ CrimeReport.pdf

Are You the First One in Your Family to Attend College? getting ready to start anything new can be exciting but it can also be scary. College can be especially intimidating for first-generation college students — those students whose parents have not completed a college degree. If you have few or no family members who have completed college, you might start college with limited knowledge about college traditions, college culture and expected behavior, and terms used to describe various things found at college. This limited knowledge may prevent you from fully engaging in college life and may unfortunately contribute to you leaving college before you can complete a degree or certificate. At Los Medanos College, we are here to help you.

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Don’t Hesitate to Get Oriented!

With record numbers of applicants and enrollment, potential new students must act fast to reserve a spot in a college classroom. A great place to start your college career is at a New Student Orientation. The one-day Saturday orientation, designed for graduating high school seniors, provides an opportunity for students and their parents to meet with faculty and staff, gather necessary information about college, and get acquainted with the campus.

Please visit the high school student and parent page at www.losmedanos.edu/ highschool/ for more information.

At Orientation There Will Be: • Workshops for both students and parents to learn about school policies and financial aid opportunities • Sessions about college expectations, from academic demands to college behavior • Information tables on unique programs and services • Student and parent panels to provide an opportunity to hear from others who have gone through this transition • Campus tours • The selection of courses for that important first semester • Registering for classes Other opportunities available to all new students getting started at Los Medanos College include New Student Workshops offered in early summer and counseling classes offered in the spring or summer semester. These counseling classes

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include Orientation to College (COUNS 30); College Success (COUNS 34); Career Development (COUNS 32) and the Transfer Experience (COUNS 33).

For those students who cannot attend a workshop or class, there are online orientations as well. While the online orientation will not provide you that personal touch Los Medanos is known for, it will provide you the knowledge needed to get started on the right path.

The online orientations are available to any prospective student who is thinking of attending Los Medanos College at www.losmedanos.edu/onlineorientation.

and the Honors Program. Many of these programs are designed to assist students successfully transfer to a fouryear university. There may be one or more learning communities which will enhance your student’s college educa-

tion. As a first-time college student, please take advantage of the many support services available to new college students as you adjust to the new and exciting environment. CF

Parents Can Help Parents play an important part in the success of new college students.

Families, especially if they are the first generation attending college, may feel confused around what their student is doing at college and unsure about how to help him/her. Family members should learn about the college process and what to expect. Attending a New Student Orientation will provide much of what families can do to help the new college student. Get to know the available student services. Allow the student to grow at his/her own pace. Not all students know exactly what they want to do with their future and students all have different learning curves. Be patient with the student, yourself and each other.

The college also offers unique learning communities designed to enhance the college experience by grouping students in common courses, coordinated activities and assigned counselors. The learning communities include Puente Project, Umoja Scholars, AVID, MESA

925.439.2181 Los Medanos College I www.losmedanos.edu

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Brentwood Basics What: Brentwood campus of Los Medanos College Where: 101A Sand Creek road in Brentwood Good to know: Academic counselors are available five days a week; transfer institution representatives and financial aid specialists are scheduled throughout the semester. other services include assessment testing, math lab, reading/writing support, tutoring and library reserve.

More info: www.losmedanos.edu/brentwood/ 925-513-1625 or 925-439-2181, ext.6201

Begin your Bachelor’s Degree at the Brentwood Center and now boasts 95 faculty members.

By Barbara Cella & Thais Kishi

re you determined, ambitious, and committed to your own success?

Located in the heart of far East Contra Costa County, Los Medanos College’s Brentwood Center can provide you with the opportunity to start your college education in your own backyard.

Los Medanos College has been providing college-level courses in the Brentwood area since 1998, starting at the Liberty Union High School District Adult Center on Second Street. At that point, LMC offered just 15 courses in the five-classroom space.

Now, the Sand Creek Road location houses 16 classrooms, a multipurpose community room, a math lab, a tutoring lab, a computer classroom/lab, an administrative office area, two conference rooms, a work room and seven offices. And

as the building space has expanded, so has the number of students — almost 3,000 attended class at the Brentwood Center in spring 2010 with 118 course sections offered! The center started with seven instructors

At the Brentwood Center, students can complete all general education requirements for an associate’s degree or to transfer to a four-year university. A wide variety of subjects will be offered in Fall 2010: anthropology, astronomy, biology, business, child development, computer science, criminal justice, drama, economics, English, ESL, fire technology, history, humanities, journalism, math, nutrition,

philosophy, physical sciences, political science, psychology, sign language, Spanish and speech. The majority of the classes give students the needed skills for academic success, job opportunities and, ultimately, a career path.

The Brentwood Center offers a number of student services.

Counselors help students prepare for transferring to a four-year institution, and help ensure academic success by removing barriers.

The focus is on helping students develop sound educational plans, make educational progress and gain leadership skills. Tutors in various subjects provide the extra support that some students want and need. Financial aid specialists help students make the most of various funding support resources available to those eligible.

Jill DeStefano, Brentwood Center department chair and faculty, mathematics “The Los Medanos College Brentwood Center helps students feel part of a larger community as they plan for their future. They recognize and appreciate the individual attention they receive from the Brentwood Center staff and their instructors. I love teaching our students and working with the entire Brentwood community.”

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What students are saying: By having the center in Brentwood, Los Medanos College provides the area’s students with a valuable service and they know it. Students really appreciate having public higher education so close to where they live, with small classes and easy access to faculty and other support services.

Jennifer Plummer, a Independence High School grad, appreciates having a college campus in Brentwood for its convenience. “It has given me opportunities I didn’t think I had. I came here because the cost made it affordable, and I needed the college to be close by. I want to teach collegelevel math one day, I just love math.

Next step: CSU East Bay!”

Daniel De La Rosa, a Freedom High grad, likes the “intimate setting, where it is easy to approach professors.

They are very helpful.”

Daniel takes classes at both the Brentwood Center and main campus in pittsburg, and is focusing on earning his associate’s degree in electrical engineering.

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925.439.2181 Los Medanos College I www.losmedanos.edu

Anjali Kumari, a Deer Valley High School grad, chose the Brentwood Center because “it’s close to my house, making things very efficient.”

It would need to be that way – as a fulltime student last spring, she was taking English, math, economics and speech. She plans to go in the field of criminal investigation, and anticipates transferring to UC Davis or San Francisco State.

Amber Lamadrid, a Freedom High School grad, explained, “I like the students here — they are very focused on their studies. The teachers are so nice and helpful — no matter what, they’ll work with you. I do all my homework at the campus because I can always get help there.” Amber is busy working on her nursing prerequisites and hopes to get into LMC’s nursing program at the main campus in pittsburg.

Some students come straight from high school, while others come back to prepare for another field.

Reginald Johnigan lives close to the Brentwood Center and enjoys the informal atmosphere.

“Everyone is very helpful, especially in the Math Lab.” A former electrician at UC Berkeley, reggie already has his bachelor’s degree from Cal State East Bay in Liberal Studies. He has returned to school to get prepared for a master’s program in mathematics and ultimately teach.

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In the Line of Fire –

By Kiran Kamath and Mike grillo

A Career as a Fire Fighter

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ires are an unfortunate and annual occurrence in California. It is therefore not surprising that California has a steady demand for additional fire fighters. Fire fighters not only control and extinguish fires, but are often the first to arrive on the scene of an emergency. As a result, these first responders have either an EMT or a paramedic certification in addition to their fire fighter training.

When you ask young children, “What do you want to become when you grow up”, so many will tell you that they want to become a fire fighter. If you pursue and ask them “why”, they will often say it is because they want to drive the bright red fire engine! The thrill of driving or riding the bright red fire engine lures adults to the profession too, in addition to wanting to serve their community. In talking with fire fighters, you soon discover how much pride they have in their profession and how often it is a family tradition that passes from generation to generation. Stories about the camaraderie of life in the fire station and emergencies they

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have responded to soon fill the air.

It is truly a band of brothers and sisters. It is a family!

However, it is not all about having fun, eating great meals in the fire station, and driving around in a red fire engine! It is a serious profession that serves the community in moments of great need. These women and men respond to emergencies such as urban and wildland fires, accidents, health emergencies and natural disasters.

They work hard to educate the community to prevent fires, inspect buildings to comply with fire codes, and safe lives. It is certainly a noble profession.

Community colleges like Los Medanos College prepare women and men for a career in the fire service. LMC has both Emergency Medical Services and Fire Technology classes. The fire service requires applicants to have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED. However, taking college classes especially in EMT and Fire will definitely give you the edge over other candidates for a career in fire fighting and prevention.

Most students at LMC take the Emergency Medical Technician-I (EMT 10) course early in their preparation for a career in the fire service. This is an intensive semester-length course that prepares you to take the National Registry Certification exam to become an Emergency Medical Technician-I. This course is adequate to prepare you to for an entry-level position as an EMT-I in the fire service or in an ambulance service. Starting salaries are around $12 an hour or $23,000 a year. Many will continue their education to become an EMT-II or an EMT-P (or Paramedic) with slightly higher salaries.

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The Fire Technology program offers excellent courses to prepare students for the LMC Fire Academy.

The standardized curriculum includes courses in Fire Protection Organization, Fire Behavior and Combustion, Fire Protection Equipment and Systems, Building Construction for Fire Protection, Fire Prevention, and Physical Fitness for Fire Fighters. All these courses are taught by fire officers and captains who follow the latest state guidelines. When students complete the EMT-I course and three of the Fire Technology courses, they are eligible to apply for admission into the prestigious Fire Academy. Physical fitness is an important component of the training, given the nature of the job. Students are encouraged to take the California Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and get certified by the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee before joining the Fire Academy.

The Fire Academy is a serious hands-on program where the basics learned in the Fire Technology classes are put in to practice at official training sites of the Contra Costa Fire District. The academy cadets complete a rigorous 360hour basic fire training program as outlined by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office. While the fire service is filled with tradition, it is an industry that continually incorporates new technologies to fight fires, such as improved fire protective clothing and breathing apparatus for fire fighters, more powerful fire engines, and state-

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of-the-art dispatching systems. LMC usually offers one academy a year. The next academy will begin at LMC in mid-August, 2010.

Applications for the Fire Academy must be received by the college by the end of June, 2010.

Starting salaries for fire fighters in Contra Costa County are around $35 an hour or $74,000 a year.

Cadets in our program get to meet with local fire officers during the program and gain good insights about the profession as well as information about how to apply for positions.

To learn more about our classes and training for first responders, visit us at www.losmedanos.edu/ fire. CF

Nicolas Romero, Fire Academy Alumnus Nicolas romero graduated from LMC’s Fire Academy in 2008. Within four months of completing the program, he was hired by the Berkeley Fire Department.

“During my search for an academy, I found LMC’s academy to give a wide range of experience, both hands-on and in a classroom setting. The academy appeared rigid and very structured. This kind of setting was very appealing to me and fit my expectations. I’m glad I picked this line of work. I feel this literally is one of the few jobs in the world where you can have an immediate influence in someone’s life and help them, on just about every level, in their time of need.

It is the best job in the world and I wouldn’t want to do anything else!”

Mike Grillo, department chair of LMC’s EMS, Fire Technology and Fire Academy programs “graduates from our fire academies go on to work in fire departments all over the state, including Benicia, San Jose, Emeryville, San rafael, Contra Costa County, Cal Fire, etc. Fire students training in California can apply to work anywhere in the United States since California has the highest training standards in the country.”

925.439.2181 Los Medanos College I www.losmedanos.edu

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By richard Livingston

New Art Facilities Open Fall 2010

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hanks to a bond measure approved by the East County community in 2006, Los Medanos College will open a new $2.4 million Art facility for fall 2010 classes, which begin in August.

The completely reconstructed space on the south side of the main campus’ College Complex will feature spacious new labs for ceramics, design, graphics and drawing/painting, in addition to classroom and office space. Included in the project cost is $162,000 for new fixtures, furniture and equipment.

“For the first time in our 36-year history, we will have an excellent Art facility, which will match the excellence of this instructional program,” said Senior Dean of Instruction Richard Livingston.

Art enrollments have increased dramatically during the past two years, he noted. “Those students certainly deserve a state-of-the-art learning space.”

LMC’s high-quality Art program includes three emphases – Graphic Design, Fine Arts and General Education.

Graphic Design Graphic design is everywhere. Look around. How many logos can you see? Every book cover and magazine was designed by someone. Every tee shirt with a design, every web page and every logo or graphic on television was created by a graphic designer.

Instructor Curtis Corlew notes that “there are more books and magazines published every year.

Between TV, the web and traditional publishing, there is more work for designers than ever before.”

He describes the LMC Graphics program as “a great place to begin your path to a career in graphic design, based on our ‘Art for the Real World’ philosophy.”

Karen Lee-Thompson, an LMC graphic design student, said, “LMC showed me how good I can be, and

Kelly MacCallister, although still a student in the graphics program, is already freelancing, building web sites and designing logos for children’s clothing companies. Her advice?

“Absolutely go to LMC. You’ll get real world experience taking classes here. The instructors will help you to get better – not just get you through class, but to become a better designer.” She plans to transfer to San Francisco State to major in Visual Communications and Graphic Design.

that I can be even better. I never thought I could get a degree in Art until I had classes here – now I know I can.” She is transferring to CSU East Bay. LMC graphics instructors are not only dedicated teachers; they have extensive professional experience as photographers, designers, animators and in marketing communications. They bring that professional experience to the classroom. “In their classes, you’ll have the opportunity to work on assignments that mirror the real world, like the ones the instructors have worked on professionally. LMC instructors will also help you build your portfolio so that you’ll be ready for a job interview or for acceptance to a university program,” Dean Livingston explained.

Student projects typically include assignments such as CD covers, posters for musical events and even a graphic to re-brand a winery.

LMC’s new graphics classroom will contain the latest large-

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screen computers, scanners at each station, digital projection and a high-speed network and file server for student use. In keeping with the department’s cross discipline approach to art and design, the new space will connect to a 2D drawing classroom/lab, the painting studio, 3D and ceramics studio and the college journalism department.

Instructor Corlew said, “This is a dream space for students – and instructors. Our software and hardware are all first rate. The space is dedicated to graphic arts, so there are no compromises in its design. Being next to the rest of the Art Department will be a big plus for students. They’ll experience firsthand how the disciplines are connected, and have opportunities to interact with all the art instructors, not just the ones they have classes with. We’ve got a great program already, and this new space is only going to make it better.”

The college offers both certificates and degrees in graphic design.

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Fine Arts At LMC, students can learn to draw, work with digital imagery, paint and sculpt in up-to-date classrooms and studios, which develops their artistic knowledge and proficiency and prepare them to transfer to a fouryear institution.

Instructor Lucy Snow explained, “To become an artist, just as to become a writer, a scientist or a business person; you must learn discipline and develop your critical faculties.

You must find meaning in what you do and make.”

Course work required for an Associate of Arts degree in Fine Arts includes art history, design, drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and graphics/photography.

Students develop strong portfolios demonstrating their abilities in a variety of media.

the arts through exhibitions, guest speakers and museum visits, which enhance appreciation for the variety of art currently being created.

Quality exhibits by Bay Area artists are showcased on the Art Gallery, which is open to the public, in LMC’s new library building. Students also have the opportunity to show their work there each spring.

Livingston noted that the quality of teaching is a crucial element of the success of any instructional program. “All the art faculty shares a commitment to teaching as their top priority. All of our instructors challenge students to think creatively and critically.”

Former LMC student Ray Thayer transferred to CSU East Bay where he earned a degree in Art History.

“I was five steps ahead of my fellow students when I transferred,” he recalled. “LMC’s program gave me a good understanding of process and technique, and that helped me in both my studio and art history classes.” He credits his community college experience with teaching him “higher-level thinking.”

Thayer now works as an extendedterm substitute teacher in a local high school. He notes that art is a good way to connect with students in many subjects. “Students see me sketching and then a conversation starts. I brought in one of my art history books to a kid who wasn’t participating in a history classes and he became interested and involved for the first time.”

The Fine Arts program also provides students with an opportunity to expand their cultural awareness of

General Education LMC also offers General Education (GE) courses for the non-Art major.

Department Chair Ken Alexander noted that these students take an Art or Humanities course to fulfill Associate degree and/ or transfer requirements. “Their majors and career goals are diverse.

Many, rather shockingly, describe themselves as uncreative and wonder why they must take art appreciation or art history when it is not ‘their’ subject.”

students an appreciation of the creativity of others. We do this by presenting the creative and expressive products of history, but also by opening their eyes to the world that they live in and the world that they create around themselves.”

Alexander explained that all GE courses focus on critical thinking.

“We know that art appreciation and art history may not be central to your educational and career plans, but thinking is, and critical thinking even more so. We use the subject we love to teach to impart skills you will need in life, regardless of your chosen area of student or eventual career. The abilities to observe, research, evaluate and synthesize your reactions in writing are the greatest gifts you can give yourself, and once learned, no one can take them from you.”

The skills students acquire in the GE program are portable.

Alexander said, “You can take them from your classrooms into your university classrooms. You can take them from those classrooms into your career. You can take them into all aspects of the life you are beginning to create.

Yes, while you might be one of those who believe yourselves not to be creative, you will soon learn that the life you live is not what happens to you, but rather, the life that you create.”

Dean Livingston concluded, “One of the hallmarks of a well-educated person is education in the arts. We provide that at LMC – we broaden students’ horizons and prepare them for the lifelong learning that is crucial in our rapidly-changing society.” CF

To reach those students, Alexander said, “It’s our job to foster within Art faculty members Ken Alexander, Curtis Corlew and Lucy Snow

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Teaching is something you can believe in!

Begin your career in teaching at Los Medanos College Are you passionate about wanting to teach? Confirm your commitment!

Not quite sure you want to teach? Explore the possibilities!

By Tawny Beal

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ave you ever had the opportunity to really make a difference in someone’s life? How did it feel? Teachers have the opportunity to do this each and every day.

Teaching occurs in all areas of our lives all the time.

LMC offers students the opportunity to fully realize themselves as educators through various teaching preparation programs.

Teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling career with multiple opportunities to work in your own community.

Teachers are needed at all levels: Pre-kindergarten, Elementary, Secondary, and college. LMC can help you in exploring these various teaching opportunities, and in navigating the academic requirements needed to succeed.

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Pathways to Teaching

Student Involvement:

Taking you from classes to career, whether you are interested in teaching young children, adolescents, or adults, LMC has a program for you.

There are several opportunities for students to be involved while in high school as well as at LMC:

• Early Childhood: The Child Development Program prepares you to work with children in early childhood programs, and before and after school programs, as well as provides a viable pathway to earning a teaching credential through certificates and an Associate of Science degree in Child Development. The Child Development department has partnered with California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) to develop a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies that includes a minor in Early Childhood Education (ECE), and also a Master’s in Early Childhood Education.

• Elementary School: Students can also earn an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts as preparation for earning a multiple

• Liberty High School offers a Teaching and Learning Careers Academy as well as a Future Educators of America club • Freedom and Deer Valley high schools have Careers with Children coursework • LMC has a Future Educators Association (FEA) that serves all students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching.

subject credential to teach elementary aged children. Students have the opportunity to work with elementary school students in local schools as part of their coursework, gaining valuable real-world experience.

• Middle and High School: Students can also complete their transfer requirements for bachelor’s degrees leading to single subject credentials in a variety of areas, such as math, English, physical education, the arts, the sciences and others.

ALUMNI proFILE

Lindsay Bertolucci

The FEA provides: • A network of peers with shared interests and passions about working with others in both the classroom and the community • Academic advising to help students complete their certificates, or to transfer, in order to work as an educator • Transfer and credentialing program field trips and informational panels • Social and cultural enrichment opportunities.

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indsay Bertolucci started her teacher education career pathway at Los Medanos College and is currently at Chico State and on schedule to complete her B.A. in Child Development. Lindsay has wanted to be a teacher since 3rd grade. When Janice Townsend, an LMC Child Development faculty, visited her rop Child Development class in high school, Lindsay immediately became hooked on the LMC Early Childhood Education program.

The experience at LMC helped Lindsay to define her career goals and to transfer to a viable program that will lead her to obtaining these goals.

Lindsay states that “at LMC I had great people telling me where to go and do so I never skipped a beat.” While at LMC, Lindsay worked in the Child Development Center, starting as an intern, and becoming a mentor to other interns.

She also feels that “while at LMC I was able to test the waters on what age level to teach.

I had always wanted to teach primary school children. However, after working in the [child development] lab, I decided I really want to teach kids before the age of 5, so I switched my gears.”

Lindsay was able to test the waters and complete the LMC program because she also received assistance on financial aid and how to navigate the system. Lindsay states that, “LMC has great staff and great resources, and I was constantly asked about my goals.” LMC knows Lindsay will be highly successful in her chosen career and looks forward to seeing her as a teacher in our community.

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Careers A -Z

Los Medanos College

Accounting Certificate of Achievement in Office Accounting Clerk/Bookkeeper Certificate of Achievement in Accounting Associate of Science Degree in Accounting Accounting positions in many types of organizations including accounting/CpA firms, small businesses, large corporations, banks, hospitals, schools systems and government agencies preparing financial statements, balance sheets and tax returns. Transfer to four-year university for a B.S. in Accounting.

Tax Examiners, Collectors Median Annual Salary: $56,700 Accountants Median Annual Salary: $60,600

Administration of Justice College Skills Certificate - Criminal Law Specialist Associate of Science Degree in Administration of Justice Employment in a variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and security fields as a police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, state trooper, intensive probation/parole surveillance officer, correctional officer and loss prevention specialist. Law enforcement agencies require additional training and certificates. Transfer to a four-year university for a B.A. in Criminal Justice. parking Enforcement Workers Median Annual Salary: $42,700 police and Sheriff’s patrol officers Median Annual Salary: $71,700

Air Conditioning/Refrigeration College Skills Certificate in Appliance Service Technology; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Employment with firms that specialize in installation, servicing and repair of heating and cooling systems in homes, offices and commercial buildings; selfemployment. The program prepares you for employment with HVACr (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and refrigeration) firms at the residential, commercial and industrial levels. Leads to apprenticeships.

LMC Credential

gives you

College Skills Certificate

The skills you need to get an entry-level job or for additional specialization

Certificate of Achievement

Expanded certificate with additional knowledge and skills to help you move up

Associate of Arts/Science Degree

The course work you need to transfer to a four-year college

American Sign Language A person who facilitates communication between hearing and hearing-impaired persons through interpretation into a signed language, or transliteration of a language into a visual and/or phonemic code by an oral interpreter, a signed language interpreter or cued speech interpreter.

Interpreters and Translators Median Average Salary: $39,900

Anthropology Associate of Science Degree in Anthropology An anthropologist is a scientist who studies anthropology (A paleoanthropologist studies prehistoric humans. A social anthropologist studies living societies.) Many aspiring anthropologists work as assistants doing ground-level research and writing surveys before they have advanced degrees. LMC anthropology courses are the foundation for four-year college studies in Anthropology.

Anthropologists Median Average Salary: $60,600

Appliance Service Technology Certificate of Achievement in Appliance Service Technology Associate of Science Degree in Appliance Service Technology Employment with a small or large business as a repair and service technician for home appliances such as icemakers, freezers, refrigerators, washers and dryers; self-employment.

Home Appliance repair Median Annual Salary: $36,600 Heating, Air Conditioning, and refrigerator Mechanics and Installers Median Annual Salary: $45,250

Art: Fine Arts Associate of Arts Degree in Fine Arts Work as an entry-level artist or these courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in Art. Fine artists create original art. They specialize in one or two art forms, such as painting, illustrating, sketching, sculpting, printmaking and restoring. $60,300

Maintenance and repair Workers Median Annual Salary: $35,700 Heating, Air Conditioning and refrigeration Mechanics Median Annual Salary: $45,400

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Art: Graphic Communications Certificate of Achievement or Associate of Arts Degree Work in entry-level graphic communication or these courses can be the foundation for fouryear college studies in graphic Communications. graphic design is the applied art of arranging image and text to communicate a message. It may be applied in any media, such as print, digital media, motion pictures, animation, product decoration, packaging and signs. graphic Designers Median Annual Salary: $48,000 Multi-Media Artists and Animators Median Annual Salary: $71,100

Art: Digital Publishing Certificate of Achievement Entry-level employment in graphic design, desktop publishing or web design; entry into careers in design, illustration and multimedia or transfer to a university; or entry into higher-level positions such as graphic design, desktop publishing, and assistant art direction.

38,000

Biological Science Associate of Science Degree in Biological Science Train to be a lab technician in the market of biotechnology. Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculations, and calculate and record results.

May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food and drugs.

These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in various Biology fields.

Biological Technicians Median Annual Salary: $41,000 Life Scientists Median Annual Salary: $64,300

Business

Astronomy A degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics can lead to a variety of career options. Traditional career paths include those of Astronomer, Scientist, Technician, Engineer and relevant management positions. Courses at LMC prepare you for advanced studies at major universities.

Atmospheric and Space Scientists Median Annual Salary: $99,000 Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences postsecondary Teachers Median Annual Salary: $73,280

Automotive Technology Certificate of Achievement in Automotive Technology Associate of Science Degree in Automotive Technology Employment as automotive service technicians in dealerships, privately owned garages and repair shops diagnosing and repairing automobiles; self-employment. graduates should be prepared to take the ASE exam.

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Median Annual Salary: $38,300 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Median Annual Salary: $44,000

College Skills Certificates – Office Essentials, Administrative Assistant,, Medical Records Clerk, Medical Transcriptions, Medical Office Management and Billing, Business Transfer Preparation Certificate of Achievement in Office Administration Certificate of Achievement in Small Business Operations Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management Associate of Science in Business – Office Administration Associate of Science in Business – Small Business Operations Employment in small and large businesses, and government agencies in administrative support positions requiring knowledge of software applications, office management, organizational principles, basic financial management and electronic presentations. Administrative office jobs in medical and other health care-related offices requiring knowledge of medical terminology, medical coding, billing and insurance. Employment as a medical language specialist to interpret and transcribe dictation by physicians and other health care professionals. Starting a small business by learning entrepreneurial skills. A career in retail management. Transfer to a fouryear college for a degree in Business, Business Management, Finance, or Marketing.

Tax preparers Median Annual Salary: $48,000 personal Financial Advisor Median Annual Salary: $65,300

Chemistry Associate of Science Degree in Chemistry prepares students for entry-level positions in the biochemistry, industrial chemical industry.

Works with equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial products. These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in various chemistry fields.

Chemists Median Annual Salary: $72,900

Child Development College Skills Certificates – Administration: Director of Private Schools, Early Childhood Education, Curriculum in Infant Toddler Care, School Age Care, Special Needs Care & Education, Working with Culturally Diverse Families in Early Childhood Setting Associate Teacher Permit Assistant Teacher Permit Certificate of Achievement in Child Development Associate of Science Degree in Child Development Employment working with children from infancy through middle school environment in settings such as day care centers, nursery schools and Head Start programs. With your AS degree, you qualify for positions such as assistant teacher, group supervisor, head teacher or director.

Transfer to a four-year college for a degree in education or in early childhood development.

Child Care Workers Median Annual Salary: $21,000 Child, Family, and School Social Workers Median Annual Salary: $47,700

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Computer Science/Computer Networking

Emergency Medical Services

College Skills Certificates in Computer Science Foundation, Computer Science Competencies, Microsoft Applications, PC Repair Technician (A+ pending), Web Design, Gaming (Pending) Certificate of Achievement in Computer Science – Microcomputer Systems Specialist

College Skills Certificate – Emergency Medical Technician

Employment as an applications specialist, microcomputer service technician, help desk specialist, computer operator, computer security specialist, network specialist, database specialist with organizations such as telephone companies, television stations, schools and colleges, Internet providers and professional offices.

Emergency Medical Technicians Median Annual Salary: $26,600

Computer Support Specialist Median Annual Salary: $47,200 Database Administrators Median Annual Salary: $73,100

Associate of Science Degree in Engineering

Cosmetology Certificate of Achievement in Cosmetology Employment in beauty salons and nail salons Manicurists and pedicurists Median Annual Salary: $17,600 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Median Annual Salary: $20,400

Dramatic Arts play a part in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing. May play parts in television commercials. Work in various areas of performing arts and transfer to a four-year degree program in Theater. $43,320

Economics Economists study how society distributes resources, such as land, labor, raw materials, and machinery, to produce goods and services. They conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor economic trends and develop forecasts. They research issues such as energy costs, inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, business cycles, taxes or employment levels. These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in various economic fields.

Economics Teachers, postsecondary Median Annual Salary: $86,900 Economists Median Annual Salary: $86,300

Electrical/Instrumentation Technology Certificate of Achievement in Electrical Technology Certificate of Achievement in Industrial Electronics Associate of Science Degree in Electrical Technology

Can lead to employment in private emergency medical or ambulance services, fire departments, and hospitals where life-saving skills are required.

Engineering position as a civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technician.

Transfer to a four-year degree program in various engineering fields.

Engineering technicians solve technical problems. Some work in quality control. They look over products, do tests, and collect data. In manufacturing they may help in design, development, or production. Most engineering technicians specialize in certain areas: civil engineering technicians and electrical and electronics engineering technicians.

Electrical Engineers Median Annual Salary: $89,200 Industrial Engineers Median Annual Salary: 80,300

English Teach or instruct courses other than those that normally lead to an occupational objective or degree. Courses may include self-improvement, non-vocational, and nonacademic subjects.

Teaching may or may not take place in a traditional educational institution. These courses can be the foundation for four-year university studies in English, and/or a career as a writer.

English Teachers, postsecondary Median Annual Salary: $77,200

Environmental Science Associate of Science Degree in Environmental Science Environmental Science provides interdisciplinary preparation for students wishing to pursue knowledge and employment in the fields of environmental research, consulting and regulatory oversight. The program provides excellent lower division preparation for students transferring to environmental science programs at four-year colleges and universities.

Fire Academy College Skills Certificate in Basic Academy Certificate of Achievement in Basic Academy Train to become a firefighter.

Firefighters Median Annual Salary: $62,000

Fire Technology

Employment installing and maintaining electrical/electronic systems and instrumentation in industrial facilities. In-house maintenance departments at manufacturing facilities also offer job opportunities.

Certificate of Achievement in Fire Technology Associate of Science Degree in Fire Technology

Electrical or Instrumentation Technicians Median Annual Salary: $80,000

Fire Science Technology is an applied science in the control and prevention of fire, the handling of hazardous materials, investigation, rescue operations, security and safety.

Forest Fire Inspectors and prevention Specialists Mean Annual Salary: $60,300 Fire Inspectors and Investigators Median Annual Salary: $78,700

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History

Music: Commercial Music

Prepares students for jobs in research, analysis in such places as government and other institutions. Work with newspapers, photographers, interview, films and manuscripts.

Historians Median Annual Salary: $67,500 History Teachers, Postsecondary Median Annual Salary: $77,400

Journalism

Certificate of Achievement Careers include instrument sales, instrument repair, pop singer, orchestration, arranger, music publisher, music activities producer, recording engineer, music therapist, music librarian, music critic, music software technician and radio music director.

Entry-level positions in a wide variety of areas. $34,500

Associate of Arts Degree in Journalism Careers in journalism are writers and editors, technical writers and editors, reporters and correspondents, advertising and public relations and publications designer.

Work in an entry-level position in media or transfer to a four-year degree program in Journalism.

Reporters Median Annual Salary: $42,000

Liberal Arts Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in various programs.

Management College Skills Certificates in Communication Skills for Managers, Decision-Making Skills for Managers, Professional Development Skills for Managers, Organizational Planning Skills for Managers, Human Resource Skills for Managers Certificate of Achievement in Management and Supervision Associate of Science in Management and Supervision

Philosophy Develop critical thinking skills, argument skills, communication skills, information management, design and planning skills, research and investigation skills, management and administration skills. These courses can be the foundation for advanced studies at major universities.

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary Median Annual Salary: $62,900

Physical Education Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations. Include all sporting officials, referees, and competitive judges. Coaching/Teaching for high school and college sports.

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials Median Annual Salary: $29,300 Recreation and Fitness Studies, Postsecondary Median Annual Salary: $84,200

The program is designed to train students for entry into supervisory, team-leader and management positions. Transfer to a four-year institution for a degree in business administration.

First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Retail Sales Workers Median Annual Salary: $36,200 General Operations Managers Median Annual Salary: $102,400

Mathematics Associate of Science Degree in Mathematics Entry-level positions in government agencies such as the census office. Compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies. May perform actuarial computations and compile chars and graphs for use by actuaries. These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in Mathematics.

Mathematical Technicians Median Annual Salary: $34,300 Mathematicians Median Annual Salary: $107,200

Physics These courses at LMC can be the foundation for advanced studies at four-year universities.

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Median Annual Salary: $82,000 Physicists Mean Annual Salary: $95,300

Music Associate of Arts Degree in Music Become a professional musician, conductor, concert artist, studio musician, arranger, composer, accompanist, music teacher, private instructor or church related music such as minister of music, organist or choir director. These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in Music.

Political Science Become a political campaign advisor, lobbyist, community outreach, community development and pre-law. These courses at LMC can be the foundation for advanced studies at major universities.

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Median Annual Salary: $77,200 Political Scientists: $44.80/hour

Musicians (instrumental): $42.92/ hour

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Process Technology Certificate of Achievement in Process Technology Associate of Arts Degree in Process Technology Take process samples, monitor equipment, and solve problems at processing plants including chemical and refining plants. process Technicians Median Annual Salary: $75,000

Psychology Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology Monitor patient’s physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs. Assist professionals from a wide variety of fields such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, to provide client services, as well as support for families. May assist clients in identifying available benefits and social and community services and help clients obtain them. May assist social workers with developing, organizing and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or adult daycare. These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in psychology.

Clinical psychologist Median Annual Salary: $70,400

Real Estate Certificate of Achievement in Real Estate Associate of Science Degree in Real Estate Employment as a real estate agent or realtor renting, buying or selling property on a commission basis; self-employment. real Estate Sales Agents Median Annual Salary: $53,100 real Estate Brokers Median Annual Salary: $70,200

Recording Arts Certificate or Associate of Arts Degree in Recording Arts

Transfer Associate of Arts Degree provides the first two years of study towards a bachelor’s degree. Further study in a wide array of fields that require a solid foundation in humanities and social science like the art, business, communication, education and social services.

Transfer to a four-year degree program.

Travel College Skills Certificates in Travel Marketing, Cruise Travel Specialist, Home-Based Travel Specialist Certificate of Achievement in Travel Marketing Associate of Science Degree in Travel Marketing Employment with travel agencies, online travel agencies, home-based travel agencies, airlines, tour companies, cruise lines to assist clients with planning and making leisure and corporate travel reservations.

Travel Agents Median Annual Salary: $31,200

Vocational Nursing Certificate in Vocational Nursing Employment as a Vocational or practical Nurse in hospitals, rehabilitation/long term/home health facilities, clinics, nursing homes, and physicians’ offices. A VN administers nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse by participating in the delivery and evaluation of patient care, and ensuring the health, comfort, and safety of patients.

Licensed practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Median Annual Salary: $45,800 registered Nurses Median Annual Salary: $76,500

Welding

Become an audio engineer, producer other recording arts professional. LMC prepares your for entry-level position in the recording arts industry.

Certificate of Achievement in Welding Technology Associate of Science Degree in Welding Technology

Sound Engineering Technicians Median n Annual Salary: $66,200

Employment as a Certified Welder using oxy-acetylene welding, shielded-metal arc welding, TIg, MIg, flux-cored arc welding and metal cutting in industries such as petrochemicals, railroads, construction, transportation, plant maintenance, bridge fabrication, ornamental iron, machining, aerospace, boiler-making, ship repairs, fabricated metal products and transportation equipment manufacturers.

Registered Nursing Associate Degree in Nursing Associate Degree in Nursing – LVN to RN Employment as a registered Nurse in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physicians’ officers or other health care agencies. rNs evaluate, plan, implement and document nursing care for an assigned patient population. LVN to rN degree program is offered for those who wish to upgrade to an rN. Transfer to a 4-year university for a BSN to expand your career opportunities in nursing education or administration.

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Settlers operators, and Tenders Median Annual Salary: $32,400 Structural Iron and Steel Workers Median Annual Salary: $49,000

registered Nurses Median Annual Salary: $76,500

Sociology Associate of Science Degree in Sociology Can work in a variety of fields and assist programs or groups and organizations such as government agencies in urban development and planning.

These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in Sociology.

Sociologists Median Annual Salary: $63,910

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES!

In 2006, LMC and our business partners

began developing a new ETEC program.

In 2008, the first ETEC students began taking courses.

In 2010, the first students graduated from the ETEC program.

WE ARE GRATEFUL. WE ARE INSPIRED.

We are proud to be a part of a true community effort to train today’s workers.

THANK YOU to our business partners

USS-POSCO Industries • Shell Oil Products U.S. Martinez • The Dow Chemical Company GWF Power Systems • Mirant Delta LLC • Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery

For more information about the ETEC program, visit www.losmedanos.edu/ETEC.

Success begins at Los Medanos College Class Schedules

are available at the LMC Bookstore, the Admissions Office, and the Brentwood Center

Transfer & Occupational Programs • Administration of Justice

• Environmental Science

• Anthropology

• Fire Academy/Technology

• Appliance Service Technology

• Geography

Priority Appointments

• Art

• Geology

Apr 29 - Aug 12 EOPS/DSPS/Active Military Eligible Veterans

• Astronomy

• Graphic Communication

• Automotive Technology

• History/Political Science

• Biological Science

• Humanities/Philosophy

• Business

• Journalism

• Chemistry

• Liberal Arts

• Child Development

• Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Music/Recording Arts

• Cosmetology

• Nursing

Fall Enrollment Dates

- Online and Phone Only

May 3 - Aug 12

Other Continuing Students

No Appointment Needed

May 19 - Aug 12 New/Returning Students, with submission of college application Aug 2 - 12

Open Enrollment begins, in-person, online or by phone

Aug 3-12

Begin ALL Special Admit/ Concurrent High School Students (in person only)

Late Enrollment Aug 13 - 26

On a space available basis

• Drama

• Physics

Aug 26

Last day to drop w/refund

• Economics

• Process Technology

Aug 13

Fall Semester Begins

• Electrical/Instrumentation

• Sign Language

Go to WebAdvisor at www.losmedanos.edu or Call the phone registration system 925-370-9000 or Visit the LMC Admissions Office Mon-Thurs: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

• Sociology

Technology • Emergency Medical Services

• Spanish

• Engineering

• Speech

• English

• Travel Marketing

• English as a Second Language

• Welding Technology

or the Brentwood Center Mon-Thur: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

(Campuses are closed Fridays, May 29 - July 30)

Main Campus 2700 East Leland Rd. Pittsburg, CA 94565 925-439-2181

Brentwood Center 101A Sand Creek Road Brentwood, CA 94513 925-513-1625

www.losmedanos.edu