Single Subject (Secondary Schools) Teaching Credential

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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, in general, is appropriate for the middle school and high school teacher candidate (art, music,and physical education candidates may actually teach K-12). The program aims toward two primary goals: (1) to develop the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective beginning teacher, and (2) to establish the professional understandings and attitudes for growth and development throughout a teaching career.

Coursework combined with the field experience in the program will prepare candidates to be:

• Competent in basic classroom skills.
• Knowledgeable and enthusiastic about students, learning, and teaching.
• Respectful of and knowledgeable about cultural, linguistic, and learning diversity, and informed about practices for teaching all students.
• Continue their development as professional educators. 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).

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

The Single Subject Credential Program is a two-semester 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. More information regarding the extended program may be obtained from the single subject program advisor at (707) 664-3176.

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.

Program Prerequisite Courses

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

Program Requirements

Phase I

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 (4 Unit(s) Required)
EDSS 446 - Language and Literacy Development in Secondary Classrooms Unit(s): 4

Phase II

EDSP 430 - Introduction to 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
Successful completion of EdTPA Performance Assessment

Units

Total Prerequisite courses: 6

Total units Phase: I 17

Total units Phase: II 19

Total units for program (including Prerequisites): 42

Teaching Performance Assessment

A teaching performance assessment (TPA) is required for all those seeking a single subject teaching credential in California. EdTPA is the teaching performance assessment used by the SSU Single Subject Program. This assessment is comprised of a teaching event that is an extended documentation of a segment of student teaching. It is the capstone performance assessment that integrates learning throughout the teacher education program. It includes samples of teaching that are videotaped and analyzed by the student. It is structured in sections corresponding to developing a context for learners, planning, teaching, assessing, academic language, and reflecting on teaching. A subject matter expert scores the teaching event. The teaching event takes place in Phase II (student teaching) of the program. All students must pass the EdTPA to receive a teaching credential.

Single Subject Intern Program

The intern program is a collaboration between the Curriculum Studies and Secondary Education Department at Sonoma State University, the Beginning Teacher Program at the Sonoma County Office of Education, and participating school districts.

The intern program allows public and non public school teachers who do not hold preliminary single subject credentials to complete a credential program with supervision and mentoring while employed as teachers. Further information can be obtained from the School of Education Credentials Office or from the Intern Coordinator, Dr. Kelly M. Estrada (664-3176).

To be eligible to participate in the single subject intern program, each candidate must have:

Earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
Completed prerequisite courses and all Phase I program courses in the single subject credential program;
Passed the Basic Skills Requirement via an appropriate option;
Passed a Subject Matter Knowledge Exam (CSET) or have completed a Subject Matter Waiver Program;
Completed character and identification clearance (fingerprints);
Demonstrated knowledge of the U.S. Constitution by providing evidence of having studied the U.S. Constitution or by passing the U.S. Constitution test;
Completed an application for the intern credential; and
Verification of employment.

To be Awarded a Teaching Credential, all Interns Must:

Pass the EdTPA to receive a teaching credential.
Successfully complete the Single Subject Intern Program.