Teacher Education Program
Students planning to teach in the Elementary and Secondary levels or Special Education may begin preparation at Santiago Canyon College. The college offers programs of study which fulfill lower-division requirements for most university teacher credential programs, including an Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer (AA-T). The AA-T allows a student "guaranteed admission" to any CSU campus that declares it a similar degree. Currently 20 of the 23 CSU campuses accept the AA-T.
Elementary Level
Students planning to teach at the
elementary (K-6) level will need rigorous coursework in general education as they are expected to pass a subject matter competency exam in "multiple subjects". The SCC AAT is designed to cover the majority of subjects needed for that expertise.
Secondary Level
Teaching at the secondary (middle/high school) requires a single subject credential. Students major in the subject they plan to teach and pass a subject matter competency exam or complete a state approved list of courses in the discipline. Students are advised to go to assist.org to review lower division coursework required by each CSU or UC campus for that major. EDUC 200, EDUC 204, EDUC 210, and EDUC 211offered at SCC, are recommended prerequisites/preparation for secondary credential programs.
Secondary/Community College Level
Students often complain that education taken in high school or college is not relevant to the "real world". Becoming a CTE Teacher is one way to make education relevant for students, giving them a strong education and practical skills to lead to employment and/or further education.
CTE stands for Career Technical Education, encompassing rewarding opportunities in a variety of fields. SCC offers CTE programs that can get you on your way to a rewarding career in industry and then on your way to becoming a CTE Teacher. The following SCC programs can be linked to a career as a CTE Teacher: Finance & Business, Surveying/Mapping Science, and Water Utility Science.
Unlike most subjects where a bachelor's degree is required to teach, CTE offers a fast track to teaching at the high school or college level. An associate degree from SCC and a few years of experience in the field may be all that you need. This makes CTE teaching a great option while working in the field or continuing toward a higher degree.
Certificate Programs
Students who are interested in working with youth, while pursuing their education to become a credentialed teacher, will want to complete our
certificate program(s). These certificates are "industry recognized" and can qualify students for state permits that allow them to work in After School programs, tutoring programs or as instructional aides. This employment will satisfy the prerequisite of "experience working with youth" that is required for admission to most credential programs.
Pathways to Teaching Counseling Services
Make an appointment with a Pathways to Teaching counselor at (714) 628-4928 to plan a streamlined program of study for any of the options above.
