Elementary Teacher (K - 6th) Pathway
The Elementary School Teacher Pathway is for students interested in becoming an elementary school teacher. This Pathway will enhance your knowledge in the fields that you'll be teaching; educate and train you to become an effective teacher; provide real-world, hands-on learning in the classroom with mentor teachers; equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and allow you to grow as a teacher and a professional.
Elementary School Teachers (typically grades K-6) teach many subjects in a self-contained classroom, therefore, a Multiple Subject Credential is required to teach at Elementary schools.
Pathway Steps:
Do you want to complete a Paraprofessional degree, or not sure if you want to teach elementary education?
Our AA in Paraprofessional Educator/Preteaching is a great option for you!
Students following this pathway will need to follow destination transfer school GE Pattern; and should follow the Elementary Teacher Concentration of this degree
- Cuesta College Degree to Complete: AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education
- See Sample 2-Year Plan for AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education
- When choosing electives, consider enhancing your degree with one of the following
certificates:
- For more information on EDUC certificates, please visit:
- When choosing electives, consider enhancing your degree with one of the following
certificates:
- See Sample 2-Year Plan for AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education
- Satisfy the basic skills requirement. There are many ways to meet the basic skills requirement, which include earning qualifying scores on the CBEST, CSU EAP/ELM/EPT, SAT, ACT, or AP Exams. If you take the CBEST, do it right after you’ve completed transferable Math and English.
- Complete BA in Liberal Studies
- Verify Subject Matter Competence
- May be met by completing your Liberal Studies degree at a university that has a Commission-Approved Elementary Subject Matter Prep Program
- Pass the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subject Exam;
Complete a Multiple Subject Teacher Preparation Program
- Apply for your Preliminary Teaching Credential and become a California teacher!
Click here for more detailed information on the above steps (PDF)
Click here for the Elementary School Teacher Pathway flyer. (PDF)
If you’d like more information or have questions about the Elementary Teacher Pathway, the AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education, or the transfer process for your Liberal Studies degree, contact the Counseling Department at 805-546-3138 (San Luis Obispo Campus) or 805-591-6241 (North County Campus)