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Basic Teaching Credentials

There are three types of basic teaching credentials: Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist.

The Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom. A teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom — pre-K to grade 12, or in classes for adults. In practice, most teachers with a multiple subject authorization teach in elementary schools. In addition to completing a sequence of professional preparation courses and student teaching, candidates for the Multiple Subject Credential must demonstrate subject matter competence by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET: Multiple Subjects) as a condition of admission to the program. With additional course work, students in the Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential Program may earn a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, or Vietnamese. For detailed information on the Multiple Subject Credential Program, refer to the Teacher Education Department section in this catalog or visit the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (ED1-67; 562/985-1105).

One of the pathways to a Multiple Subject credential is the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP). ITEP combines undergraduate study of academic subjects aligned to the California standards for the K-8 curriculum with professional preparation courses, field experiences, and student teaching. ITEP students may also complete the requirements for the Education Specialist Credential or Bilingual Authorization along with those for the Multiple Subject Credential and receive dual authorization. ITEP students are required to demonstrate subject matter competence by passing the CSET: Multiple Subjects exam as a condition of advancement to student teaching. For detailed information on the ITEP program, refer to the Liberal Studies section of this catalog or contact the Liberal Studies Department (AS 133; 562/985-4228).

The Single Subject Credential authorizes the holder to teach a specified subject. A teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach this subject at any grade level — pre-K through grade 12, or in classes for adults. In practice, most teachers with a single subject authorization teach departmentalized classes in middle, junior high or senior high schools. CSULB offers Commission on Teacher Credentialing-approved Subject Matter Programs in Art, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, English Geosciences, Health Science, World Languages, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education (Adapted P.E., Elementary School, Secondary School), Physics, and Social Science. For detailed information on the Single Subject Credential Program, refer to the Single Subject Teacher Education section in this catalog or visit the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (ED1-67; 562/985-5325).

The Education Specialist Credential authorizes a candidate to teach in a special education assignment with students with special needs. This K-12 credential certifies individuals to work as a special day class teacher, inclusion support teacher or resource specialist. In addition to completing a sequence of professional preparation courses and student teaching, candidates must demonstrate subject matter competence by passing all three sub-tests of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects, or the appropriate CSET exam in Math, Science, or Language Arts as a condition of admission to the program. Another pathway to the Education Specialist Credential is the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), through which students can earn dual authorization to teach Multiple Subjects and Special Education. For detailed information on the Education Specialist Credential Program, refer to the Advanced Studies in Education and Counseling section in this catalog or visit the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (EED-67; 562/985-1105).

Elementary and secondary teachers who wish to diversify their teaching authorizations may do so by fulfilling specific requirements. Further information is available in the Credential Center (ED1-42; 562/985-4109; credentials@csulb.edu).


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