MFA + Teaching Credential Pathway

MFA + Teaching Credential Pathway
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Inspire others on the page and in the classroom 

In collaboration with the Kalmanovitz School of Education, Saint Mary's MFA in Creative Writing is excited to announce our brand new teaching credential pathway option for students considering our MFA in Creative Writing program in Fall 2025 and beyond.

For writers who are inspired to lead a classroom, SMC's MFA program offers a unique, three-year dual-enrollment program that allows students to earn a single-subject teaching credential alongside their Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. 

How does it work?

MFA students can begin this flexible path of study in the first year of the program by taking a teacher education course (TED 501) as an elective in their MFA curriculum, followed by another preparation course (TED 502) in their second year.

Upon taking your first teacher education class, you’ll receive information to enroll as a substitute teacher in one of SMC’s trusted partner schools in the Bay Area, giving you the opportunity to build valuable classroom experience while receiving some additional funds to support your studies and cost of living.

Beginning in the summer after their second year, MFA students finish their core preparation coursework (TED 503) and begin a year of single-subject coursework that will prepare them to transition into a field placement in a Bay Area public school. 

During their third-year of the dual-enrollment program, students continue to attend classes on the SMC campus, remaining close to the tight-knit MFA community. Upon completion of the dual-enrollment program, MFA graduates are positioned to begin their teaching careers at a salary commensurate with their terminal degree.

Many Creative Writing graduate students have undergraduate coursework that allows them to waive state testing requirements for the English teaching credential, and based on a careful review of your undergraduate transcripts, other testing requirements can also potentially be waived. 

Tuition rates for this dual-enrollment offering will reflect a blend of coursework in the School of Liberal Arts and the School of Education. 

How can I get started?

The goal of this dual-enrollment program is to integrate teacher education into the MFA curriculum in a way that supports your growth as an artist and educator. 

For students applying to start the MFA in Fall 2025, you can indicate your interest in the dual-enrollment program by reaching out to Collin Skeen, Assistant Director of Admissions, at cas38@stmarys-ca.edu. Just let us know that you're considering the teaching credential pathway and we will make sure that your application data reflects your interest.

For students applying to the MFA in Fall 2026 and beyond, we will have a question on the application asking "Are You Interested in Our Dual-Enrollment Third-Year Teaching Credential Pathway?" and interested students will just need to check this box in order to have their application considered.

Earn the Qualifications Required to Teach at All Levels

Writer Matthew Zapruder in the classroom with creative writing students

An MFA is a terminal degree that opens up opportunities for writers to teach at the college level, but students interested in teaching in public California high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools are required by law to complete additional certification to legally teach in the classroom.

Saint Mary's new dual-enrollment MFA and Teacher Credentialing pathway allows our MFA students to make efficient use of their time by offering a three-year course plan that results in both an MFA degree and a California single-subject teaching credential, opening doors for writers to teach across California and even other states across the US depending on external teacher reciprocity agreements.

Fillipi Academic Hall_KSOE building

Making a Difference Since 1967

The Kalmanovitz School of Education at Saint Mary's College has been educating teachers in the Bay Area since 1967. Our education and credentialing programs incorporate best practices and continually evolve to prepare new teachers for the challenges that lie ahead. We believe that education can transform lives and make a positive impact on our future and in our communities—particularly those that are underserved. Our curriculum prepares leaders who understand the causes of inequities within society and how these affect our communities, including students, parents and teachers.

Why Pursue a Teaching Credential?

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A KSOE graduate teaching a lab

Get More Opportunities out of Your MFA

In addition to the college-level teaching roles an MFA degree allows graduates to pursue, a teaching credential adds to these opportunities by opening professional doors though the ability to teach in public/private schools throughout California from Kindergarten through 12th grade. 

Saint Mary's teaching credential programs are among the most well-respected in the Northern California educational community and our students emerge as highly-qualified educators. Our programs combine current research and theory with real-life classroom experience to round out your MFA education. Coupled with Saint Mary’s Lasallian pedagogy and commitment to social justice, students are prepared to be reflective teachers and leaders in their school and community.

After earning a Single Subject Teaching Preliminary Credential you will be qualified to: 

  • Teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized K–12 classes in any elementary, middle school, or high school in California.
  • Teach in a public, private, charter, or parochial school.
  • Teach in adult education, provided that the workload consists of classes that are offered as specific sections/periods, or are considered departmentalized.
  • Teach sections designated as "Specifically Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE)" and  "English Language Development (ELD)" that allow you to support students in your content area with formal English-language needs.

 

School and Department Information

Chris Feliciano Arnold 
Director, MFA in Creative Writing
cfa1@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-8556


Collin Skeen
Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment 
cas38@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4190