Prepare to Become a Teacher at MPC! 

Sticky fingers, laughter, and learning are just the beginning of teachers’ job descriptions. They’re also charged with instilling a love of learning, solid study habits, and social-emotional skills that give children the foundation they need to succeed. Students in the Elementary Teacher Education program learn the history, concepts, and issues related to teaching in today’s diverse schools. Electives in elementary education, bilingual elementary education, and special education give students the opportunity to focus on specialties of interest. While MPC does not offer a teaching credential program, we are here to help you explore options.

How do you become a teacher?

The first step to becoming an Elementary Education Teacher is to earn an Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Elementary Teacher Education. Complete this step at MPC and prepare to transfer to a four-year institution to earn your Bachelor of Arts degree. The final step to becoming a teacher is to complete a Credentialing Program at an accredited university to earn your Teaching Credential. You can choose to specialize in bilingual education, special education, and more! Learn more about the required examinations to earn your credential and about available waivers via the California Teaching Credential Teacher Credentials Requirement page. For any questions about becoming a teacher or resources available at MPC for prospective teachers, please email us at jluke@mpc.edu. To help you get started, check out How to Become a Teacher in California

Our Programs

Our goal is to ensure the pathway towards earning your teaching credential is attainable and easy to complete. Read below about our three outstanding teacher preparation programs! Click on each program to learn more and to apply. 

 TPP-MPC-CSUMB

MPC's Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Elementary Teacher Education was created in partnership with California State University at Monterey Bay's (CSUMB) B.A. in Liberal Studies and multiple subject credential via our premier program, Teacher Pathway Program. Participants of this program follow a direct pathway from MPC to their credential program at CSUMB to ensure success. 

Central Coast

MPC's newest teacher preparation program, Central Coast Teach Up, is located at the Marina Education Center to help baccalaureate (B.S./B.A.) holder teaching with a Short Term Staff Permit or a Provisional Internship Permit interested in obtaining their teaching credential. Whether you need help with subject-matter competency, are looking for mentoring, or need help with the credential application process, our CCTU team will help ensure you have the resources to enter and complete a credential program!

Noyce/Rise Scholarship

Noyce/Rise Scholarship aims to help prospective STEM teachers by providing academic and professional resources to facilitate their STEM Teacher Pathway! Join us and participate in exciting teaching and research opportunities in your local community. 

 

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

The purpose of the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing is to serve as a state standards board for educator preparation for the public schools of California, the licensing and credentialing of professional educators in the State, the enforcement of professional practices of educators, and the discipline of credential holders in the State of California.