The Elementary Teacher Education program is designed for students who aspire to become elementary or special education teachers and offers a breadth of study across disciplines. Elementary Teacher Education incorporates subject matter that prepares students to teach elementary education level subjects including science, mathematics, literature, history, geography and the arts.

Elementary Teacher Education coursework will also introduce theories of education and child development, as well as provide an early field experience. Students who complete these interdisciplinary courses will be able to:

1. demonstrate college-level skills in written English, oral communications, math, and critical thinking;
2. demonstrate a basic grasp of the disciplines most commonly taught in elementary schools in California, including physical science, biology, art, literature in a cultural or geographic context, world geography, United States history, and the United States government;
3. demonstrate a basic grasp of child growth and development.

The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer (AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies; Integrated Teacher Education, or a major deemed similar at a CSU campus. Each CSU campus determines which of the degrees it offers are “similar” and can be completed with the preparation included in the AA-T in Theater Arts within 60 units once a student transfers, so which majors are “similar” varies from CSU to CSU. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to the CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search website and seek guidance from a Moorpark College counselor. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

To earn an AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education, students must:

1. Complete  60 semester or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) requirements
   2. The required coursework for the Elementary Teacher Education major as listed in the Moorpark College catalog.
2. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
3. Obtain a grade of “C” or better or “P” in all courses required in the major. Even though a “pass-no-pass” is allowed (Title 5 §55063), it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (A, B, or C).
4. Complete requirements in residency. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 units must be completed in residence at the college granting the degree

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree (unless the major is a designated “high-unit” major at a particular campus). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor to obtain more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

NOTES:

1. Although the IGETC pattern is permissible for the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), MATH M10 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers is not an approved course for the IGETC pattern, therefore it's recommended that the student complete the CSU GE-Breadth pattern for this degree or complete a transferable math course that is approved for the IGETC, as part of the completion of the IGETC.
2. Students transferring to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) as a Liberal Studies major must complete GEOL M121 for the Earth Science and PHSC M01 and PHSC M01L for the Physical Science requirements.
3. Students transferring to California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI) should take the following courses from LIST B and C: DANC M24 and MUS M24, CD/EDU M08, EDU M10, ENGL M40, and HIST M143. CSUCI has an approved subject matter program and the inclusion of the prescribed courses above allows students who graduate from the program to be waived from taking the Multiple Subject exam required for graduates of non-waiver programs. In addition, CSUCI offers an Integrated Multiple Subject or Educational Specialist program that includes the teacher credentialing program for interested students. This program allows for the completion of both the Bachelor's Degree and teaching credential simultaneously. Students interested in the integrated program must apply and possess a 3.0 or better GPA.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• analyze and describe the teacher’s comprehensive role in supporting learning and development in elementary school settings.