1 Undergraduate Preparation for an Elementary Teaching Credential Center for Careers in Teaching H-113

2 What does it take to become an elementary school teacher? Bachelor’s Degree and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

3 What do you need to get a bachelor’s degree? GE requirements (51 units) Major requirements Complete at least 120 units

4 What is a teaching credential? A credential is a license issued by the State of CA allowing you to teach in a specific area.

5 What are the requirements for a credential? In general you need: A Bachelor’s Degree. Demonstration of knowledge in the subject matter(s) you will be teaching. Professional Preparation in teaching methodology, including student teaching.

6 Types of credentials Multiple Subject- teaching K-6, knowledge in all subject areas. Single Subject- teaching 7-12, knowledge in one specific subject area. Education Specialist- teaching K-12, students with special needs.

7 What do I need to get into the credential program? Demonstration of basic skills Demonstration of Subject Matter Competency Prerequisite classes 2.75 G.P.A. (last 60 units)

8 What are “basic skills”? Reading comprehension, writing, and math through an 8 th /9 th grade level

9 How do I demonstrate basic skills? CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) OR ELM and EPT –Score 50 or above on ELM –Score 151 or above on EPT –You must have taken the tests and received a score. “Exempt does not count! OR EAP –Taken junior year of high school –Must earn “college ready” or “exempt” –“Conditionally exempt” does not count NO MIXING AND MATCHING OF SCORES!!!

10 When can I take the CBEST? You are eligible to take the CBEST as soon as you graduate high school We recommend you take it once you have successfully completed your college level English and Math GE classes

11 What is subject matter competency? All teachers must prove their competence in the subject(s) they teach. The method for proving subject matter competence depends on the credential sought.

12 Subject matter competency for future elementary school teachers: All new elementary teachers must pass the state-approved test: California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). This test covers the following subject areas: –Subtest 1: Language Arts and Social Sciences –Subtest 2: Math and Sciences –Subtest 3: Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education and Human Development.

13 When do I take the CSET? You will take the CSET during your junior year Visit an advisor in the Center for Careers in Teaching to help you plan how to schedule your classes and when to take the CSET

14 Is there a program available for future elementary school teachers? Freshman Future Teachers Program, (FFT) -a learning community for future teachers –Take classes with students who have similar careers goals and interests –Early fieldwork experience in the classroom

15 Make yourself more marketable! The teaching market tends to fluctuate, so… –Make yourself stand out! –Consider minoring in a STEM field! –Consider adding on a second credential after you earn your multiple subject credential: Science Math

16 What is STEM and why should I care? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math You should care because there is a HIGH demand for math and science teachers=job security! Science and Math clips!

17 What do I do to add on a second credential? Take the CSET for the subject area you wish to teach Take a methods class at CSUF on how to teach that content Submit all of the above to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing so that they can authorize you to teach that subject area

18 How does the CCT help? The Center for Careers in Teaching is an undergraduate advisement center for future teachers. We hold seminars to give you a full overview of information about preparing for the credential program. We do academic planning to help ensure you are completing the correct classes to meet your goals. –Multiple pathways are available to reaching your goals! See and advisor to see what is best for you!

19 What if I attend a community college first? Be sure to tell your academic advisor that you want to be a teacher. Many community colleges have teacher preparation centers--utilize that resource! See the CCT field representative at the community college campus. Look for announcements on a CCT seminar at the community college campus.

20 Visit the CCT website: (Today’s PowerPoint presentation is available for you to print!) Humanities 113