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For the first time in many years, credentialed teachers throughout California are in demand. This need can be attributed to the increasing number of teachers who have reached retirement age and to the implementation of California's Class Size Reduction Program. Initiated for the 1996-97 school year, this program was designed to reduce the size of public school classes at two primary grade levels. More than 1,000 new teachers were hired this year to implement Class Size Reduction in San Diego County alone, and it has been projected that as many as 19,500 teachers will be needed statewide. Gov. Pete Wilson recently announced his intention to extend the program into more grades. This means the number of credentialed teachers needed soon will exceed the available pool. With this bright employment outlook, many may want to know what is required to earn a teaching credential. The credentialing process is complex and demanding. Determination and a clearly focused goal are, therefore, the first requirements for prospective teachers. The remaining requirements can be met at any of the eight institutions of higher education in San Diego County that are authorized by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to offer teacher training programs. These programs lead to the Multiple Subject Credential (required for those who aspire to teach elementary school) or Single Subject Credential (for those seeking to teach high school). Because all teacher training programs must conform to regulations maintained by CTC, there is little variation in the content or preparation that candidates receive. There is, however, considerable variation in the cost, course structure and delivery systems among these programs, making it advisable to carefully assess which is the best suited to meet individual needs and personal style. Both multiple and single subject credential programs generally have the following common requirements for candidates: 1) a bachelor's or higher degree, 2) 60 hours of observation/participation with elementary or high school youth, 3) passage of the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), 4) completion of a U.S. Constitution course or examination, 5) completion of an approved college or university subject matter program, passage of the Praxis Series Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers (MSAT) or the Praxis and Single Subject Assessment Test (SSAT), 6) completion of required teacher training courses, and 7) successful completion of an 18-week "field experience," commonly known as student teaching. Teacher candidates also are encouraged to earn the Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD) Certificate, which prepares them to work effectively with culturally and language-diverse students. Several of the credential programs offer the CLAD Certificate as a separate course of study while others have the CLAD certificate embedded within the regular teacher training courses. To learn more about these programs and other details associated with the credential process, contact the school of education at any of San Diego’s eight credentialed institutions. [end bug] The number of credentialed teachers needed soon will exceed the available pool. Teacher Credential Programs In San Diego County:
Michael Stuckhardt is assistant professor and coordinator for the single subjects credential and master of arts in education degree programs at Chapman University's San Diego campus. |
