Education Department Information

School Office
Stevenson Hall 1078
(707) 664-3115/2132
www.sonoma.edu/education

Student Services/Credentials Office 
Stevenson Hall 1078, (707) 664-2832
credentials.office@sonoma.edu

The Student Services Office serves as the admissions and records center for all programs offered in the School of Education and is responsible for the recommendation of teaching and service credentials. Credentials analysts and staff are available to provide application information  and credential information to prospective students, continuing students, out of state teachers/administrators, Universityconstituents, and the University service area in general.

Career Outlook

California faces the daunting task of replacing 300,000 teachers over the next ten years. Currently shortages of credentialed teachers exist in mathematics, science, special education, Spanish, and bilingual education. In addition to public schools, graduates of the School of Education find positions in community agencies and in the private sector.

Scholarship Opportunities for Teacher Preparation

TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a program created through the federal government’s College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007. The federal Grant program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who are interested in earning a California teaching credential, meet certain criteria, and who are enrolled in programs at Sonoma State University that have been designated as eligible. You can receive eligibility and application procedures at the SSU Financial Aid Office.

F. George Elliott Exemplary Student Teaching Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes a credential candidate who is currently completing full time student teaching or internship and whose practice and professional dispositions exceed excellence on all program performance and disposition standards. Each of the three School of Education departments may nominate one candidate for this award each semester. Nominees should excel in:

• Educating the whole student;
• Implementing curriculum and pedagogy that are innovative, creative, and reflective of program preparation;
• Reflecting on their practice; and
• Engaging with the school, community and families.

F. George Elliott Scholarship

The F. George Elliott Scholarship Fund will award two scholarships each year for graduate study at Sonoma State University; one is for an outstanding student teacher, and the other is for a Santa Rosa City School middle school, junior high, or high school teacher. Recipients of these scholarships will be known as Elliott Scholars.
Faculty from the School of Education credential programs nominate finalists for the annual Exemplary Student Teacher Scholarship from both fall and spring semesters, and in May they select one annual winner. Experienced teachers from Santa Rosa City Schools may self-nominate for the Fellowship for Professional Renewal.
Each recipient of this award must complete the two-semester
scholarship period within five years of receiving the award. All applicants must meet admissions requirements for graduate study at SSU.

SMTRI (Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative)Programs

SMTRI supports a variety of programs to recruit math and science majors into the teaching profession as well as ensure more credentialed teachers receive an additional Foundational Level Credential in science and/or math. It supports undergraduate education courses to introduce future teachers to the teaching profession; it assists newly-credentialed math and science teachers with a stipend to offset some of the costs associated with obtaining a credential. Additionally, it pays the five units for the Foundational Level General Science Teaching Credential Institute offered in the summer for credentialed teachers and nine units for the Foundational Level Mathematics Teaching Credential Institute offered in the spring, summer, and fall.

Patricia Nourot Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship provides funds to cover educational expenses for students in the Early Childhood Education minor or the master’s degree program with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. In each academic year, applications will be considered and one scholarship of up to $300 will be awarded. Applicants should show potential for leadership in the field of Early Childhood Education. The student who is awarded the scholarship will be notified by December 15, and the funds will be available for spring semester.

Undergraduate Programs

The School of Education offers a BA degree in Early Childhood Studies and a minor in Early Childhood Studies.

Career Opportunities

The Program will prepare graduates for multiple career paths, including:

• Infant, toddler, and preschool teachers Page 106 Education Sonoma State University 2018-2019 Catalog
• Administrators of programs for young children and families
• Professionals in health fields, including child life specialists
• Pre-requisite work for the multiple subjects credential for elementary school teachers
• Pre-requisite work for the special education teaching credential

Students may also work with an advisor to prepare for graduate studies in related fields such as education; human development; social work; and counseling.

Credential Programs

Multiple Subject and Single Subject Credentials

Individuals interested in teaching at the elementary school level should apply to the Multiple Subject Credential Program, which prepares candidates to teach in a self-contained classroom, transitional kindergarten through grade 12. The Single Subject credential authorizes the holder to teach a particular subject in a school organized by academic disciplines, kindergarten through grade 12.

Since most elementary schools are not departmentalized, this credential generally is appropriate for the middle school and high school teacher candidate (art, music, and physical education candidates may actually teach K-12).

The Multiple Subject and Single Subject credentials authorize the teaching of students at various stages of English language development and from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Education Specialist Credential

The Education Specialist (special education) Credentials, Preliminary and Clear Induction, are offered for mild/moderate and moderate/severe disabilities and authorize the holder to provide services in K-12 special day classes (SDC) or resource specialist program classes (RSP).

Advanced Credentials and Certification

Individuals possessing a basic teaching credential may enter programs leading to specialist or service credentials. These advanced credentials authorize the holder to perform specialized roles in public schools.

The advanced credentials we offer are:

• Clear Induction Education Specialist
• Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
• Reading and Literacy Added Authorization
• Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential

Note: Program requirements change periodically, and current information may not be available in this catalog. For more detailed information on credentials and other education programs, please see the University’s special bulletins and the School of Education’s current program brochures and policy statements, or visit the Education website, www.sonoma.edu/education.

Admissions

Basic Teaching Credential Programs

• Basic teaching credentials include Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Preliminary Education Specialist Credentials. The basic authorization to teach in the California public schools requires all the following:
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree;
• Verification of appropriate subject matter competency, either completion of an approved subject matter preparation program or passage of appropriate state-approved examination(s);
• Basic Skills Requirement met via appropriate option;
• Completion of a college-level course or college-level examinationthat covers the U.S. Constitution. POLS 200 or 202 at SSU will meet the requirement;
• Completion of a state-approved program of professional teacher education;
• Valid Adult, Child, Infant CPR card; and
• RICA (Multiple Subject and Education Specialist only).

Note: Students should consult with the Student Services Office during their first semester on campus if they plan to pursue a teaching credential. Students admitted to a credential program should contact the Student Services Office for any changes in requirements.

California State University Requirements for Admission to Basic Teaching Credential Preparation Programs

All credential candidates must complete the following before admission to the professional preparation programs:

1. Application/admission to the University;
2. Submission of application to a basic credential program through the School of Education;
3. Professional Goals Statement;
4. Grade point average of 2.75 in last 60 units of attempted course work or a 2.67 overall grade point average;
5. Basic Skills Requirement met via appropriate option;
6. Two letters of recommendation, dated within six months of application to the program;
7. One set of official transcripts; and additional set of transcripts for admissions and records.
8. Verification of appropriate subject matter competency completed (requirement depends on type of credential sought);
9. Submission of negative TB test dated within 60 days of application to the program;
10. Filing of the application for a Certificate of Clearance, which Sonoma State University 2018-2019 Catalog Education Page 107 includes fingerprinting;
11. Demonstration of aptitude, personality, and character traits that satisfy the standards of the teaching profession. Assessment of these qualities will be made by the School of Education through evaluation of interviews, letters of recommendation, candidate’s professional goals statement, and spontaneous writing sample;
12. Evidence of 45 hours of experience working with school-age children (completed within the last two years); and
13. Verification of understanding of professional responsibilities related to harassment, child neglect or abuse, and discrimination. Successful completion of the Legal Seminar and assessment offered in the School of Education meets this requirement; and
14. For admission to the Multiple Subject program, a passing score on the appropriate CSET subtests is required. See the CSET Exam information and registration guide: http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.
15. For admission to the Single Subject and Education Specialist programs, a passing score on the appropriate CSET subtest is required or verification of having completed a subject matter waiver program. See the CSET exam information and registration guide for more details (www.ctcexams.nesinc.com). Contact the Student Services Office for CTC information about the latest test date that will be acceptable for the semester in which you are applying. Even if you request scores to be sent to the University directly from the testing company, also submit a photocopy of official scores directly to the Credentials Office.

The Student Services Office provides information regarding standards and dates for application to programs in the School of Education. Additional program-specific admission requirements are listed with each program description.

Undergraduate Integrated/Blended Degree and Credential Programs

The Integrated/Blended Degree and Credential Programs offer undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a four-year baccalaureate degree and a teaching credential simultaneously. The undergraduate blended degree program is currently available for Track 3 majors in Hutchins Liberal Studies, leading to a Multiple Subject credential. Students in this program must receive advising about course sequence prior to, or very early in, their freshman year; enroll in an average of 15-18 units per semester; and be willing to take courses in at least one summer session.

For Secondary Education, an integrated program is available for majors in music leading to the Single Subject credential. This option may be available to transfer students, depending on the program of interest. For more information contact the Student Services Office in the School of Education.

Foundational Authorizations

The Foundational Level General Science Teaching Credential authorizes teaching integrated science through 8th grade and general science at the high school level (as opposed to college-prep high school biology, chemistry, or physics). The Foundational Level Mathematics Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the following content areas: general mathematics, all levels of algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and consumer mathematics. Calculus and math analysis classes are outside the scope of the authorization. Contact the School of Education Student Services/Credentials Office (credentials.office@sonoma.edu) for further information.

Procedures for Admission to Basic Teaching Credential Preparation Programs

The Student Services Office provides information regarding admissions requirements and dates for application to programs in the School of Education.

Obtain application packets and additional information from the Credentials Office, Stevenson 1078, or on the website, www.sonoma.edu/education. Submit to the Credentials Office, Stevenson 1078.

Continuation in Basic Teaching Credential Preparation Programs

1. All education students are required to attend at least one advising session each semester, or meet with an advisor.
2. Students must successfully complete all requirements for each program phase—including coursework, practica, and student teaching—before entering the subsequent phase.
3. Students are expected to make continuous progress toward the credential while maintaining a grade point average of 3.00 in professional education courses after entry into the credential program. Incomplete grades (I) and grades of C- or below in professional education courses must be retaken and statutory requirements met prior to continuing enrollment in courses.
4. Candidates who must delay progress in the professional education program may file a written request with the program coordinator for an extended program or for a leave of absence. A student returning from a program delay will be subject to the screening requirements in effect at the time of reentry and will be accommodated as space allows. Any student on academic probation is subject to automatic disqualification as a credential candidate.

In all School of Education programs students are expected to meet and maintain high academic and performance standards, including all of the following (additional standards may be required by specific programs):

• Maintenance of a 3.00 GPA in all professional education courses (nothing lower than a C, including prerequisites); Page 108 Education Sonoma State University 2018-2019 Catalog
• Successful completion of required field experiences;
• Successful completion of a program portfolio prior to advancement to the final phase of the program and/or completion of the final field experience; and
• All credential candidates in the Multiple Subject and single subject candidates successfully completed EDTPA assessment program will be required to successfully complete the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT).

Clearing a Preliminary Credential

If you hold a California preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist credential and you have questions about completing requirements to clear the credential, please contact the Credentials Office at credentials.office@sonoma.edu.