Single Subject (Secondary Schools) Teaching Credential

Program Overview

Single Subject (Secondary Schools) Teaching Credential

The Single Subject credential authorizes the holder to teach a specific subject in a school organized by academic disciplines, kindergarten through grade 12. Since most elementary schools are not departmentalized, this credential, in general, is appropriate for teaching in middle or high schools (art, music, and physical education candidates may teach K-12). Coursework combined with clinical practice in the program will prepare candidates to:

• demonstrate knowledge about learners, learning, schools, and teaching that promote equity, inclusivity, and access for all.
• recognize social inequities and work with youth, communities, and other professionals to advocate for social justice.
• continuously reflect on and grow in their role as advocates for social justice.
• collaborate with others (e.g., students, mentors, school and community members) to strengthen their knowledge, dispositions, and practices.
• demonstrate research-based and theoretically sound competencies and practices in their discipline.

After completion of the Single Subject Credential Program, candidates will be recommended for the Preliminary California Single Subject Teaching Credential in a subject area. Successful completion of the program prepares candidates to teach in California’s culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms.

Students may satisfy subject matter requirements by passing the appropriate state-approved examinations (CSET), completing a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved subject matter program, or holding an approved degree aligned with the subject area.

The Single Subject Credential Program is a two-semester program that begins in the fall semester only. Credentials are offered in the following areas:

• Art
• English
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Science
• Social Science
• World Language

The Single Subject Credential Program

Students admitted for the fall semester, who successfully complete all coursework and their final student teaching, will be eligible for the credential in June. Students who wish to take longer than two semesters to complete the credential program may extend their program to four semesters.

Single Subject program courses required for each phase are listed below. Prerequisite courses and all Phase I courses must be satisfactorily completed prior to beginning Phase II.

Prerequisites (6 units)

• EDSS 417 - School and Society Unit(s): 3
• EDSS 418 - Development in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood Unit(s): 3

Phase I (18 units)

• EDSS 442 - Equity and Agency in Teaching and Learning Unit(s): 3
• EDSS 443A - Creating Effective Learning Communities: Field Settings Unit(s): 4
• EDSS 443B - Creating Effective Learning Communities: Seminar Unit(s): 3
• EDSS 444 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Unit(s): 1-4
• EDSS 446 - Language and Literacy Development in Secondary Classrooms Unit(s): 4

Phase II (20 units)

• EDSS 444B - Applied Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Unit(s): 1
• EDSP 430 - Foundations of Special Education Unit(s): 3
• EDSS 458 - Student Teaching in Multicultural Settings Unit(s): 12
• EDSS 459 - Seminar for Secondary Student Teachers Unit(s): 4

Program Total (including prerequisites): 44 units