Teacher preparation is a program of professional course work (including directed teaching) which develops the skills needed for serving in the classroom. This includes course work in areas such as teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and classroom management.

What is subject matter competence and how does it differ from a teacher preparation program?

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Whereas teacher preparation is knowledge of HOW to teach, subject matter competence is knowledge of WHAT is taught. Subject matter competence is a requirement for all multiple and single subject credentials which assesses the prospective teacher's knowledge in the academic subject area that she or he will be teaching. This requirement is met either by completing specific examinations or by taking courses (in addition to the teacher preparation courses) in the academic subject area through a California college or university which has a Commission-approved program for that subject area.

How do I obtain subject matter Competence from the Commission?

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The Commission does not have the authority to evaluate for subject matter competence. Such evaluations may only be performed by California colleges or universities which have Commission-approved subject matter programs.

I am a California resident and would like to obtain a credential to teach elementary or secondary school in California. What requirements do I need to complete?

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You will need to complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, the CBEST, meet subject matter competency, complete a full teacher preparation program at a California college or university which has a Commission-approved credentialing program, and be recommended to the Commission by that college or university. Since each institution has developed their own program based upon Commission standards, you must speak to the credentialing office at the college or university to find out which specific courses you must complete in order to be recommended by that institution for a credential. Please refer to the Multiple Subject and Single Subject Teaching Credential, and the Institutions of Higher Education Having Approved Programs for California Credentials leaflets from the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing for further details.

What do I need in order to teach in California if I have an elementary (or secondary) certification in another state?

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You must apply directly to CCTC. For preliminary certification you will need official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a full teacher preparation program including directed teaching in the area of certification requested, the CBEST, and verification of eligibility for full certification in the state where the program was completed. Please refer to the Multiple Subject and Single Subject Teaching Credential leaflets from the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing for more specific information, including details of renewal requirements. You must apply directly to CCTC.

What is the difference between the Multiple Subject Credential and the Single Subject Credential?

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The Multiple Subject Credential is the credential needed to teach elementary school. One can think of it as a license or certification to teach. (The term "multiple" refers to the many subjects taught by one teacher in the typical elementary classroom.)

A Single Subject Credential is the credential needed to teach at the high school level. One can think of it as a license or certification to teach. (The term "single" refers to the fact that the person holding this credential has specialized in a particular subject.) Most junior high school teachers hold single subject credentials, but it is possible to teach a single subject in grades 7-9 with a basic multiple subjects credential and an added authorization in the subject to be taught.

What does it mean by Credential Program or
Teacher Education Program or Fifth Year Program?

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All three of these terms are often used interchangeably. A credential program is designed to develop expertise in the skills of teaching, including classroom management, curriculum development, lesson planning and assessment. Though students can begin credential programs prior to earning a baccalaureate degree, most typically don’t finish the credential program simultaneously with the undergraduate degree (with the exception of "blended" or "integrated" teacher education programs).

Can You Tell me about Blended or Integrated
Teacher Education Programs?

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California is currently piloting blended or integrated preparation programs, which include pedagogy and methods of teaching along with subject matter studies. The candidate earns academic credit toward the baccalaureate degree by completing selected pedagogical courses during the undergraduate years. Beginning as early as the candidate's first year in the program, s/he completes selected education courses concurrently with related subject matter courses, or courses that blend subject matter and pedagogy. For more information on Cal Poly Pomona's Blended Program, visit the Liberal Studies Web Site.

What is a Preliminary Credential?

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In most cases the student applies for a preliminary credential upon completion of a credential program. This credential is valid for five years and is not renewable. During this five-year period the individual is expected to complete the requirements for a clear credential. Changes in the state’s credential structure are underway; the new structure will use different language such that what we now call a "preliminary credential" will be called a "Tier I" credential.

What is a Clear Credential?

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Within five years of receiving the preliminary credential the individual must complete additional credential requirements including an induction program for the SB2042 Credential. When these requirements are completed, the individual applies for the clear credential. Changes in the state’s credential structure are underway; the new structure will use different language such that what we now call a "clear credential" will be called a "Tier II" credential. In the current structure, a student may circumvent the preliminary credential if all the requirements are completed for the clear credential; in the new structure this will not be possible.

What is BCLAD?

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Bilingual Cross Cultural Language and Academic Development emphasis. A pattern of courses complimenting the basic Multiple Subject or Single Subject requirements to prepare teachers better for the linguistically and culturally pluralistic classrooms of California. The BLCAD option prepares the teacher to teach in a bilingual environment which requires the development of the English language skills concurrent with academic instruction in the students primary language.

What is Subject Matter Competency?

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This term refers to the documentation that the teacher candidate possesses regarding depth of understanding and knowledge in the subjects to be taught. Those who teach at the elementary school level must document subject matter competency in all the subjects relevant to the elementary classroom (language arts, science, math, social science, arts, physical education and human development). Those who teach at the middle or high school level must document subject matter competency for the subject they are assigned to teach. Subject matter competency may be demonstrated by completing a program of study or by passing the relevant subject matter exam(s).

What is a Subject Matter Preparation Program?

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A program of study approved by the CCTC which covers the content taught at the level a candidate plans to teach, and which substitutes for the examination requirement for a credential (MSAT for Multiple Subject and Education Specialist Credential; CSET for Single Subject Credential).

What does it mean by "Added Authorizations"?

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When a person holds a basic multiple or single subject credential, it is possible to add provisions to teach in additional subjects using an added authorization. Current law (AB 877), stipulates that students must complete subject matter competency, appropriate methods course, and pass RICA for Multiple Subject.

What do "Supplemental Authorizations" mean?

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A supplemental authorization allows an individual who holds a multiple or single subject credential to add provisions to teach in additional subjects by concentrating units in a particular subject area. For example, if an individual holds a multiple subject credential but has at least 20 units in English (and those 20 units cover specified sub-areas), that individual would be eligible to teach English in grades 7-9. Similarly, if an individual holds a single subject credential in one subject, such as math, and as at least 20 units in English that qualifies for a supplemental authorization, that individual could teach grades 7-12 in math and grades 7-9 in English.

What is CCTC?

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California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. A state agency that administers legislation governing the preparation of teachers in California, sets standards for candidates and programs, and issues credentials.

What is CBEST?

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California Basic Educational Skills Test. An exam required of all California teachers, including substitute teachers. Tests basic reading, writing and mathematical skills. Must be passed prior to applying for a credential program.

What is CSET?

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The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET™) the examination option to the subject matter competence requirement.

What is RICA?

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The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) is an examination designed to ensure that prospective teachers have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective reading instruction for K-8 students. Passage of RICA is required of all applicants for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential after October 1, 1998. Some exemptions to taking the RICA examination exist. Please refer to The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA); or the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Leaflet (CL-561) for persons prepared outside of California, or CL-561C for persons prepared in California ) for more information. The purpose of the RICA examination is to ensure that candidates for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials and Education Specialist Credentials possess the knowledge and skills important for the provision of effective reading instruction to students. Must be passed before credential can be issued; should not be attempted prior to completion of methods courses in Reading and Language Arts.

What is the processing time for applications?

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The processing time for applications varies depending upon the workload. Generally, applications are processed in 8 to 12 weeks.

What is the processing time for fingerprints (after the application is processed by the Commission)?

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Again, this depends upon the workload of the FBI and Department of Justice. Currently, the Commission receives a response to fingerprint inquiries in about 4 months.
Effective January 1, 1999, the Commission began accepting livescan fingerprint submissions. Livescan is a process whereby fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the FBI and Department of Justice. Response for fingerprints submitted via livescan has proven to be much quicker than traditional fingerprint cards. Check with the Credential Service Office (5-228) regarding the availability of livescan for credentialing purposes.

Can you tell me which school districts in California have a need for teachers?

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The Commission issues certification for service in public schools, but does not maintain information regarding available positions or assist in job placement. You must contact the individual districts, counties, or agencies for information on employment opportunities. Please refer to the Placement Information leaflet for a list of the county offices of education along with their addresses and phone numbers.

I would like the Commission to waive some of the course work required for my credential based upon training and experience that I have. How do I do that?

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The Commission does not have the authority to waive any course work required for certification.

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No. California trained teachers must complete the course work required by their Commission-approved college or university. The Commission sets the standards for the programs. The institutions develop their programs based upon those guidelines and have the authority to require additional standards or courses beyond the minimum requirements set by the Commission.

What is the fee for renewal of my credential?

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