Teaching Credentials

Teaching Credentials

What is a Teaching Credential? A credential is an authorization to teach a subject or subjects in a school setting grades K-12. We will focus primarily on Multiple & Single Subject credentials.

Teacher Credentials Multiple Subject: K – 8 Single Subject: 9 – 12

Multiple Subject Credential: K - 8 Gives authorization to teach more than one subject by one individual, such as in an elementary school

Multiple Subject Credential Subject Matter Competence Elementary Teachers Must Know Language Arts Math Science Social Science Visual & Performing Arts Physical Education and Human Development

Single Subject Credential: 7-12 Authorizes an individual to teach only a single subject, such as in a classroom in a departmentalized high school or junior high school*. *If a single subject credential holder & teaching at a junior high, can ONLY teach in the subject the credential is in

Single Subject Credential What Can I Teach? Best to Major in the subject you want to teach Single Subject Credential Areas Agriculture Art Biological Sciences (Specialized) Business Chemistry (Specialized) English Foundational-Level Mathematics Foundational-Level General Science Geosciences (Specialized) Health Science Home Economics Industrial and Technology Education Languages other than English (Specialized) Mathematics Music Physical Education / Kinesiology Physics (Specialized) Science: Biology Science: Chemistry Science: Geosciences Science: Physics Social Science

What is the purpose of a Teaching Credential? Thanks to No Child Left Behind All Teachers in the United States must be “Highly Qualified” to teach

What does it mean to be “Highly Qualified”? According to the Federal Government teachers must hold at least a bachelors degree be appropriately licensed by the state demonstrate subject matter competency

What are the requirements in California based on the Federal Definition of “Highly Qualified”?

California Teaching Credential Requirements: Teacher Candidates must do the following: Attain a Bachelor's Degree or higher from a regionally accredited university Demonstrate Subject Matter Competency

California Teaching Credential Requirements: Teacher Candidates must do the following: Complete a Teacher preparation program: Courses on the theory of teaching & development Student Teaching Practical application of teaching the course in which they have demonstrated subject matter competency

What are some of the requirements of the Teaching Credential Program? Pass a TB Skin Test Obtain Fingerprint Clearance from the Department of Justice Successfully complete a Developing English Language Skills course U.S. Constitution course CBEST Test: Basic Skills Requirement

What is the CBEST? CBEST scores do not expire. Tests basic reading, mathematics, & writing skills found to be important for the job of an educator the test is not designed to measure the ability to teach those skills. For more information on the CBEST log on to www.cbest.nesinc.com

What is subject matter competency? Subject matter competency is demonstrating that you know the subject well enough that you can teach others

How do you demonstrate subject matter competency? Option 1: Complete a degree in the area you wish you teach (Single Subject only) Option 2: CSET – Subject matter competence exam Is 3 separate exams Test results are valid for 5 years

Here are the CSETS for Multiple Subject Credentials California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects Section I: Language Arts & Social Science Section II: Mathematics & Science Section III: Arts, Physical Education, Human Development

California Teaching Credential Requirements: Once the requirements have been met, the state of Ca will award the candidate a Preliminary Teaching Credential A teacher will be awarded a Clear Teaching Credential once they have successfully completed an Induction Course typically 2 years after attaining a preliminary credential – as long as they have a teaching position

Teacher Credentialing Plan Use the information from the powerpoint to complete your Teacher Credentialing Plan