Special Education Pathway

Coming soon! A Special Education Career Path Opportunity!

Special Education Certificate & AA Degree!

Discover a pathway from Cerritos College to CSU Long Beach to become a Special Education Teacher.

What is the Special Education Pathway?

The Special Education Pathway is designed for students who would like to become special education teachers in K-12 settings and/or those currently or potentially working with people with disabilities in the private or public sector.

What is the Special Education Pathway for Future Teachers?

The Special Education Pathway to CSULB (aka, the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program) is designed to combine the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential. Special Education Teaching Pathway is for students interested in becoming a special education teacher in California schools.

Teacher TRAC students may apply and transfer to the University of their choice. However, the Education Department has partnered with California State University, Long Beach to provide a clear pathway from Cerritos to Special Education teaching.

As a student on the Special Education pathway with CSULB, you can earn your bachelor's degree, an education specialist preliminary credential, and complete your student teaching.

What is the Special Education Pathway for those who may not go into teaching?

The Special Education Pathway is intended for those who currently or will potentially work with people with disabilities in the private or public sector. Students are provided with background knowledge regarding special populations, including analyzing the historical and current conditions of special education, disability, and equity in American schools; the qualities of an effective special education teacher; and works of philosophical and cultural importance that are tied to justice, equity, inclusion, and democracy.

This pathway is designed for students to earn a Special Education Certificate and an Associates of Arts Degreein Special Education. Students who complete this pathway are well positioned to transfer to CSULB’s Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program, enter the workforce, or prepare for promotion.

How Does Teacher TRAC Help Prepare you to Become a Special Education teacher?

Teacher TRAC educates and trains students to become effective teachers.
Provides real-world, hands-on learning in the classroom with mentor teachers.
Equips students with knowledge and skills to succeed and want to go on to college.
Allows you to grow as a Teacher and a Professional.
Enhance your knowledge in the fields that you'll be teaching.

Why Teach Special Education?

Special education is a high need teacher area
Ensure California has skilled and qualified special education teachers to keep the school system equitable and strong for everyone
Share the Passion of Learning with the next Generation
Contribute to the Community

Elementary Curriculum and Transfer Information

Special Education Transfer Preparation Guide (coming soon)
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree and Credential in 4 Years (coming soon)
Special Education Certificate (coming soon)
Special Education AA Degree (coming soon)
See how the Special Education AA Degree and Certificate Stack (coming soon)
Special Education Courses (coming soon)