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
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
To earn any California teaching credential the following requirements must be met:
Bachelor's Degree or higher from a regionally accredited university
Teacher preparation program: credential program, including student teaching Instructs K-12 teacher candidates on
how to teach the subject matter in which they have demonstrated competency
To earn any California teaching credential the following requirements must be met:
RICA —for multiple subject credential
TB Skin Test & Fingerprint Clearance
To earn any California teaching credential the following requirements must be met:
Developing English Language Skills (reading instruction course)
U.S. Constitution course
To earn any California teaching credential the following requirements must be met:
CSET – Subject matter competence 3 Tests Good for 5 years
CBEST Basic Skills
Requirement
• 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
Teacher Credentials
Multiple Subject: K – 8 Single Subject: 9 – 12
Multiple Subject Credential
Gives authorization to teach more than one subject by one individual, such as in an elementary school
Multiple Subject CredentialSubject Matter Competence
Elementary Teachers Must Know… Language Arts Math Science Social Science Visual & Performing Arts Physical Education and Human Development*All new elementary school teachers must demonstratesubject matter competence by obtaining a passing score on the CSET
Multiple Subject CredentialSubject Matter Competence
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
Single Subject Credential
Authorizes an individual to teach
only a single subject, such as in
a classroom in a
departmentalized high school or
junior high school.
Single Subject CredentialSubject Matter Competence
Can be met by one of two ways:
A. Complete a degree in the field that is like your credentialor
B. Passing the state-approved subject matter exam (CSET)
Single Subject CredentialWhat Can I Teach?
Best to Major in the subject you want to teachSingle Subject Credential Areas
AgricultureArtBiological Sciences (Specialized)BusinessChemistry (Specialized)EnglishFoundational-Level MathematicsFoundational-Level General ScienceGeosciences (Specialized)Health ScienceHome Economics
Industrial and Technology EducationLanguages other than English (Specialized)MathematicsMusicPhysical Education / KinesiologyPhysics (Specialized)Science: BiologyScience: ChemistryScience: GeosciencesScience: PhysicsSocial Science
Assignment
Respond to the following questions: What do you believe is the reason teachers
must complete a credentialing program? Identify the key differences between a Multiple
Subject & Single Subject Teaching Credential? Choose a credential & explain why you would
pursue it
Teacher Credentialing Plan
What are the requirements to becoming a teacher? Choose either Multiple Subject or Single Subject Which tests must you take to show subject matter
competence and basic skills knowledge? What type of degree do you need? What other items must you complete?