The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer (AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education) is designed for students who wish to earn a multiple-subject teaching credential authorizing them to teach in a self-contained classroom, typically in elementary schools in grades K-5. Students will study a broad range of subjects to prepare them for teaching including English, mathematics, science, social science, visual and performing arts, and human development. The AA-T provides a strong academic foundation in the field and preparation for upper division baccalaureate study. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be prepared to transfer to a California State University (CSU) and major in Liberal Studies or a “similar” major. Then, after completion of the bachelor’s degree, students will apply to a teacher credentialing program and complete their multiple subject teaching credential.

For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within those majors) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search webpage and seek guidance from an Oxnard 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 a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units including both of the following:
   1. Certified completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) requirements.
   2. A minimum of 51 semester units in the Elementary Teacher Education major as listed in the Oxnard College catalog.
2. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some 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.
4. Complete residency requirements. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 semester units must be completed in residence within the district.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the Elementary Teacher Education AA-T 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 when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Catalog Note:

Students transferring to California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI) should take the following courses from List B and C: ART R140, EDU R124, ENGL R125, HIST R104, and MUS R130. 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.

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of effective classroom environments consistent with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (TPEs).
• Examine the necessary beliefs and assumptions about the experiences with teachers and teaching including an emphasis on professional standards, ethics and professionalism.
• Analyze and evaluate the purposes and roles of schooling in contemporary society and basic strategies for accommodating diverse learning needs and community contexts.
• Apply knowledge of education protocols for entering classrooms and reporting on classroom observations.