Welcome to the hub for Cuesta College’s Future Teachers!
Shape a life, become a teacher!
California needs more teachers – one of them can be you!
At Cuesta College we offer a variety of pathways to the teaching profession. Depending
on the age, grade level, or content area that you are interested in, you can find
out more by clicking the links below. (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
Cuesta College Future Teacher Pathways:
- Early Childhood Teacher (Pre-K)
- Elementary Teacher (K-6th)
- Middle or High School Teacher (7th-12th)
- Special Education Teacher (All Ages)
- Career and Technical Education Teacher (7th-12th)
For any student interested in any of the TK - 12th grade teacher pathway options, we encourage you to enroll in EDUC 200: Introduction to the Teaching Profession. In this course, students will examine concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in today's contemporary schools and provide students with a minimum of 45 hours of supervised observation and participation in cooperating public schools.
For those interested in teaching infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers, please visit the Child Development Family Studies Department page.
5 Distinct Pathways:
Early Childhood Teacher (infant to pre-K)
The Early Childhood Teacher Pathway prepares students to work in a pre-school learning environment with children from infancy to middle childhood. This Pathway will educate and train students to become effective teachers; provide hands-on learning in the classroom; and support students in developing as teaching professionals.
Elementary School Teacher (K-6th)
The Elementary School Teacher Pathway is for students interested in becoming an elementary school teacher (grades K-6). This Pathway will enhance your knowledge in the fields that you will 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.
Middle or High School Teacher (7th-12th)
Middle or High School Teachers (grades 7-12) are specialists in their subject matter and generally teach one subject (a Single Subject Credential is required). This Teacher Pathway will help you prepare to earn a credential in one of 16 subject areas: Agriculture, Art, Biological Sciences, Business, Chemistry, English, GeoScience, Health Science, Home Economics, Industrial Tech, , Math, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Social Science (includes: Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology) and World Languages.
Special Education (All Ages)
The Special Education Teacher Pathway will prepare students to earn the Education Specialist Instruction Credential (all ages), which will enable you to provide instructional services in your chosen Specialty Area(s): Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Visual Impairments, Physical and Health Impairments, Early Childhood Special Education, and Language and Academic Development.
Career and Technical Education (7th-12th)
The Career Technical Education (CTE) Teacher Pathway will prepare you to teach classes related to your industry sector in grades 7–12 and in classes primarily for adults. There are multiple ways to prepare for the Career Technical Education Teaching Credential including completing coursework at Cuesta and work experience directly related to each industry sector.