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Education/Teaching

The Liberal Studies for Elementary Teachers major equips students with the foundational principles, practices, and skills necessary for teaching California’s K–8 students. The curriculum emphasizes inclusive teaching practices that support all children, including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse, as well as students with special needs. Students also gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, working with or observing children at placement sites within the San Juan Unified School District.

This program is specifically designed for students intending to transfer to California State University, Sacramento’s Liberal Studies Program with the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree and multiple-subject teaching credential. Students planning to transfer are encouraged to meet with a counselor, as transfer requirements may vary by institution.

Degrees Offered

A.A. in Liberal Studies for Elementary Teacher Education

Dean Pam Chao
Phone (916) 484-8101

Associate Degree

A.A. in Liberal Studies for Elementary Teacher Education

This is a multidisciplinary program designed for students planning to teach in the elementary school setting. The coursework provides students with foundational knowledge necessary for transfer to a teacher preparation program at a four year college or university and career success as educators, including courses covering pedagogy, professional knowledge, and discipline specific subject matter.

Further education at the university level will be necessary to fulfill the requirements for a teaching credential authorizing service in California public schools.

Required preparation for a bachelor’s degree in this major can vary widely, so it is critical that students planning to transfer to a four year college or university meet with a counselor.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BIOL C1000	Introduction to Biology with Lab	4
COMM 361	The Communication Experience (3)	3
or COMM C1000	Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
ECE 312	Child Development (3)	3
or PSYC 372	Child Development (3)
ECE 350	Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience (3)	3
or ENGED 324	Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience (3)
ENGED 305	Structure of English	3
ENGED 320	Tutoring Elementary Students in Reading	3
ENGL C1000	Academic Reading and Writing (3)	3 - 4
or ENGL C1000H	Academic Reading and Writing - Honors (3)
or ESLW 340	Advanced Composition (4)
ENGL 301	College Composition and Literature (3)	3 - 4
or ENGL C1001	Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
or ENGL C1003	Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature (4)
or ENGL 481	Honors College Composition and Literature (3)
or ENGL C1001H	Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors (3)
or ESL 350	Critical Reading, Research and Writing Through Literature (4)
GEOL 305	Earth Science (3)	4
and GEOL 306	Earth Science Laboratory (1)
HIST 307	History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)	3
or HIST 308	History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST C1001	United States History to 1877 (3)	3
or HIST C1001H	United States History to 1877 - Honors (3)
MATH 310	Mathematical Discovery	3
POLS C1000	American Government and Politics (3)	3
or POLS C1000H	American Government and Politics - Honors (3)
Total Units:		41 - 43

The Liberal Studies for Elementary Teacher Education Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

identify the requirements and expectations of the teaching profession.
integrate the attitudes, actions, dispositions, and behaviors required of a professional educator into a teaching skill set.
apply knowledge of child development and learning theories to assess the characteristics of teaching practices and learning conditions.
examine and apply culturally relevant, anti-bias, and equity-based teaching practices in educational settings.
clarify and articulate professional goals as an educator.
build a knowledge base in a number of general education topics necessary for teaching multiple subjects in the elementary school setting.
apply analytical reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills to gain knowledge and teach it to others.

Career Information

Students completing the program have the ability to work in before and after school programs and as instructional assistants in elementary and middle schools. Upon completing the required university level work, students can be employed as an elementary or middle school teacher.