Why choose a community college?
Affordable
Lower cost and financial aid
Flexible
Start your journey to a degree
Close to Home
Stay local and get experience
How to Go from Community College to the Classroom
- 1
Choose a two-year degree designed for future teachers.
Look for the Associate of Arts in Teaching, or AAT. It’s built to help you transfer smoothly to a four-year university and continue on the path to a teaching certificate.
- 2
Plan your transfer to a four-year university with a teacher prep program.
While earning your associate degree, explore Texas universities that offer teacher certification programs. Most public universities accept the Associate of Arts in Teaching, so you can transfer as a junior and dive right into upper-level courses.
Talk with university advisors early to make sure your community college classes meet transfer requirements.
Pro Tip: If you’re eyeing a private university, check their transfer agreements ahead of time.
- 3
Enroll in a bachelor’s program that leads to a teaching certificate.
Once you transfer, choose a major in education or the subject you want to teach—like math, science or English. Make sure your program includes teacher certification. Some programs bundle your degree and certificate into one streamlined path.
- 4
Complete your degree and get certified to teach.
Finish your bachelor’s degree, get hands-on student teaching experience and complete your certification requirements. Every step moves you closer to your own classroom, where you’ll help students dream bigger and achieve more.
Community Colleges with Teacher Education Programs
Explore ProgramsAlamo Colleges District
Questions About Community Colleges
Need help getting started?
TEACH offers free 1-on-1 and group advising to help you find the right pathway and teaching programs based on your background.
Sign up for access to advising, financial aid, events and more.
