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Community College Teaching Certificate
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About the CCTC Program
Looking to teach at a community college? The Community College Teaching Certificate is a graduate-level program that is designed for individuals aiming to kickstart their career in community college teaching. The program provides training in community college teaching and prepares individuals for teaching opportunities at community colleges.
The certificate curriculum provides a well-rounded learning experience that blends theory with hands-on teaching practicum. The program consists of three (3) courses: two lecture-based courses, which serve as prerequisites for a teaching internship at a community college, providing hands-on experience and valuable industry connections. With the support of the internship coordinator, students secure their own internships that align with their personal schedule, location, discipline, and availability. This internship often serves as a semester-long job interview, offering valuable connections and frequently leading to future teaching positions.
Throughout the program, participants develop the confidence, skills, and expertise needed to teach a diverse range of students. The Community College Teaching Certificate program equips students with both academic training and real-world teaching experience, positioning them for a rewarding career in higher education.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Certificate program, participants will be able to:
- Apply the principles of sound instructional techniques for community college-level teaching
- Evaluate student performance at community college level
- Demonstrate application of appropriate teaching styles and modalities for diverse student populations at the community college
- Explain the mission, philosophy, and organizational structure of the California Community College
- Display ethical behaviors and professional attitudes in the workplace in relation to students and colleagues
Who Should Attend
To be qualified to get started in the certificate program, participants should be in one of the following stages:
- Hold a master's degree or doctorate degree in a discipline taught at a community college
- Be in the last term of completing a master's degree program
- Have any degree and 6 years of experience in the designated Career Technical Education (CTE) area
Prior to registering for classes, students must first submit a prequalification form, including a transcript. This is to ensure that the student meets the Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Upon review and approval of this form, the student will be notified that they are now able to register in classes.
*Note: The program accepts students from all 50 states; qualified international students may also participate.
Minimum Qualifications for Faculty and Administrators in California Community Colleges
It is important to note that eligibility for future teaching opportunities at a community college will depend on an individual's educational achievements. Prior to starting the program, check out what you are qualified to teach at a community college. To do this, you'll need to match your education to the state minimum qualifications (MQs) using the Minimum Qualifications for Faculty and Administrators in California Community Colleges Handbook. The disciplines list in the handbook will determine the minimum qualifications for the subject you can teach at the community college level, based on the major that is printed on your master's degree or your degree plus Career Technical Education (CTE) years of experience.
Location
The two lecture courses are offered in either an asynchronous (online) or synchronous (live-online) format, with some courses blending both methods. Class meetings utilize the Canvas Learning Management System and Zoom for live-online sessions. Please refer to the course schedule for specific details. Live-online class sessions will be conducted at the day and time indicated in the program schedule, and attendance at all sessions is required.
The internship course consists of two parts: a community college internship with a faculty mentor and an independent study component. The internship segment is completed onsite at a community college; the independent study segment, facilitated by the Internship Coordinator, includes several assignments with due dates, at least two live-online meetings, and teaching evaluations.
International Students
International students are welcome to take part in the program. However, the structure of higher education will be different outside of the U.S. Please be certain that the program will meet your needs.
Individuals who have completed college or university coursework at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts. For details, visit:
https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/foreign-transcript-evaluation-(cl-635)