Creative Writing

I ask because I may be hired soon to teach basic composition at a public college. It seems only Ph.D.’s can teach literature, and I have an MA in English-Creative Writing. If I did want to teach literature as well as creative writing–and I’m not sure that I do want to teach literature–would I need a doctorate?

I have been told to improve your creative writing you need to read a lot.
What great classic books, can I read (from any period or country) that will improve my writing.
Genre is unimportant, though I am not writing for children.
I said classic, I read science fiction/recent literature as entertainment. But to improve the quality of writing, read the masters. Can any one write a list of great writers to read.

I have looked at them all and it’s always Literature or Enlgish majors with an emphasis on Creative Writing.

If you are knowledgeable about teaching in Los Angeles, I’d be grateful if you could let me know how to become a substitute teacher, and how to apply for an emergency / temporary teaching credential. I have a BA in Literature and a MFA in writing, and would like to become a high school English or creative writing teacher.

Thank you