Teacher Education Credential Programs

The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom in grades PreK-12 or in classes organized primarily for adults. In addition, the holder of a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting. The Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in departmentalized classes in any subject within their authorized fields in grades PreK-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. The SB2042 credentials carry with them an authorization to teach English Language Learners both in the general education classroom and in designated classes.

All candidates who complete their teacher preparation in California must be formally recommended for the credential by the college or university where the program was completed. California has a two-tier credential structure. A five-year preliminary credential is the first credential issued, and then a clear credential is issued.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates requesting to be admitted to a Teacher Education Credential Program must follow the steps listed under Graduate or Undergraduate Admission and in addition to the previously stated Admission Process, the following specific credential requirements must be met and turned into a Credential Program Specialist within 30 days of enrollment. A Certificate of Clearance is required prior to scheduling any coursework with a field experience component.

• Complete a Credential Packet including the Acknowledgement of Terms and Agreements, Request for Student Teaching forms and Negative TB test results.
• Show proof of a Certificate of Clearance or other valid document showing fingerprint clearance issued by the CTC.
• A passing score or proof of attempt to pass the Basic Skills Assessment (must be passed prior to clinical practice).
• Complete a Credential Orientation

TEACHING PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT (TPA).

All Multiple and Single Subject credential candidates beginning their teacher preparation program on or after July 1, 2008 will be required to pass the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) mandated by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The TPA is comprised of four Tasks to be completed by candidates at different times throughout their program. The purpose of the TPA is to assess the candidate’s knowledge, abilities, and skills in relation to the TPEs. Each completed task is sent to a trained assessor to be scored and candidates must pass all four tasks in order to be recommended for a Multiple or Single Subject credential. Specific information on the Teaching Performance Assessment will be introduced in the Credential Orientation and throughout the TED coursework.

All candidates required to complete the TPA will do so in TaskStream, an online environment specifically designed to support the completion of TPA Tasks electronically. Each candidate in a Teacher Education program will open a Task Stream account and receive specific information regarding this system during the Credential Orientation.

Candidates will not complete the TPA Tasks as assignments within their coursework however the knowledge to successfully complete each TPA Task is imbedded in the curriculum. Below is an outline of the Undergraduate and Graduate Multiple and Single Subject teacher credential courses which prepare candidates for successful completion of the TPA.
 

UNDERGRADUATE CREDENTIAL PORTFOLIO
Undergraduate candidates in the Blended Bachelor’s with Multiple or Single Subject credential programs will complete a Portfolio in Task Stream. The portfolio is comprised of signature assignments completed and or collected by the candidate throughout their credential program coursework. This portfolio may be in addition to other portfolios required as part of the Bachelor’s degree.

CLINICAL PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
In addition to meeting the general and program specific admission requirements, candidates must also complete the following and turn into a Credential Program Specialist before they are cleared for Clinical Practice:

Student Teaching

• Valid Certificate of Clearance or other valid document showing fingerprint clearance issued by the CTC
• Passage of the Basic Skills Assessment
• Completion of Subject Matter Competency
• Successful Passage of TPA Task 1 and TPA Task 2
• Negative TB test (valid within the last four years)
• Graduate candidates must complete all credential courses; Undergraduates must also complete upper division degree courses
• 3.0 GPA (grades of “D” and “F” are not accepted)
• Zero account balance
• Attend Screening Interview with a School of Education faculty member
• Attend Student Teaching orientation

Candidates will be placed:

• By the University in their student teaching school under the supervision of a University Supervisor and Supervising Teacher(s).
• In a supervised full-time student teaching assignment within the appropriate credential area for a minimum of 80 days.
• For at least one-half of their student teaching, in approved public, charter, or private schools that implement state adopted core curriculum content standards within the state of California. Summer school, after-school programs, and outdoor education programs will be reviewed to determine if they meet criteria for a student teaching assignment. Court schools or community alternative schools may be acceptable placements for one-half of the student teaching experience.
• In two different teaching settings. BCLAD candidates must be in classrooms that provide literacy and academic content taught in the language of emphasis for at least one extended teaching assignment.
• In two different grade spans.

Credential Candidates Teaching Under Contract
National University provides a program whereby actively employed teachers can complete the requirements for their teaching credential while employed. All of the student teaching may be conducted in the candidate’s classroom, assuming that the contract position is a match for the credential sought. Credential candidates teaching under contract:

• In an approved multiple subject assignment can complete the assignment in their own classroom. There must be documented experience with K-2 or beginning readers, otherwise candidates must complete four weeks in an alternate setting with a certified teacher.
• In an approved single subject assignment (within the credential area) can complete the full semester in their own assignment provided that they are teaching four periods in two grade levels, or can document prior experience at other grade levels otherwise candidates must complete four weeks in an alternate setting with a certified teacher
• In a regionally (WASC) approved nonpublic school setting must complete a minimum of one course of the four-course sequence student teaching experience in a public school.
• Teach under the supervision of a University Supervisor and Supervising Teacher who model effective teaching, implement state-adopted academic core curriculum, mentor the candidate, and work with the University Supervisor.

Private School Experience
1) Candidates for the Multiple Subject and Single Subject credentials who complete their teacher preparation through a Commission-approved program in California must be recommended for the credential by their college or university. Teachers who completed their professional preparation outside of California must apply directly to the Commission for their initial credentials and must meet all the CTC requirements for the granting of a credential.
2) Certain candidates with three or more years of accredited private school experience may be able to waive student teaching under SB 57. See a Credential Program Specialist for details or obtain information on the CTC website at www.ctc.ca.gov.
3) Certain candidates with six or more years of accredited private school experience may apply directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) under SB 57 by submitting application form 41-4, fingerprint clearance materials, transcripts, other requested materials, and current applicable fees. Website: www.ctc.ca.gov/credentialinfo/credinfo.html or call (888) 921-2682 (toll free).

University Internship
The University Internship route provides an opportunity for candidates who have been offered employment to complete their clinical practice, while employed in an appropriate position as a Multiple or Single subject teacher of record. This experience is a partnership between the candidate, National University, and the employer meant to support the candidate in an environment similar to that authorized by the Preliminary credential obtained at the end of the program.

Graduate level National University candidates who are interested in becoming a university intern must complete and show verification of all prerequisite requirements and go through the internship eligibility process to determine suitability for the internship program. Once intern eligible, candidates must apply for an Internship Credential is valid for two years and issued specifically for the site of hire.

Prerequisites

• Valid Certificate of Clearance or other valid document showing fingerprint clearance issued by the CTC
• Bachelor’s Degree on file
• Passage of the Basic Skills Assessment
• Completion of Subject Matter Competency
• Completion of U.S. Constitution requirement met by exam, transcript verifying completed U.S. Constitution coursework or CSU Bachelor’s degree
• Negative TB test (valid within the last four years)
• 120 hours of pre-service met by coursework
• Contract Agreement (MOU) on file between the employing District, School or Agency and National University
• BCLAD only – verification of passing scores on oral and written language proficiency examinations
• 3.0 GPA (grades of “D” and “F” are not accepted)
• Zero account balance

Early Completion Internship Option

The Early Completion Internship Option is intended to provide candidates with requisite skills and knowledge an opportunity to challenge the course work portion of a Multiple or Single Subject Internship Program and demonstrate pedagogical skills through a performance assessment while in a university internship program. The Early Completion Internship Option (ECO) is available to candidates who have completed the Teaching Foundations Exam in the following areas: Multiple Subjects, Mathematics, Science or English.

ECO Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for the Early Completion Internship Option, candidates must:

• Complete all Internship Prerequisite and Eligibility requirements except the 120 hours of pre-service met by coursework
• Passage of the Teaching Foundations Exam (TFE) within in the candidate’s subject matter area (TFE exam and subject matter competency must match)

ECO Completion Requirements
Candidates who have been granted the University Internship credential and are eligible for the Early Completion Internship Option will need to complete the following in order to be recommended for a Preliminary credential:

• Education Technology requirement (EDT 608, or an equivalent course/exam)
• Proof of passing the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) – Multiple Subject candidates only. Scores must be valid at the time of recommendation
• Successful completion of all four TPA Tasks*

*Candidates participating in the Early Completion Internship Option must pass each TPA Task on the first try. If an ECO intern does not pass a TPA Task on the first try, they must:

• Drop out of the Early Completion Option and finish the regular university internship program
• Complete all associated coursework with the TPA Task they did not pass (see the TPA Course chart for associated coursework).
• Continue to work on the TPA Tasks until they are passed (the TPAs will still be required for the Preliminary credential).

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the above requirements listed for admission and clinical practice the following must be completed and documentation turned into a Credential Program Specialist to be recommended for a California Credential:

• Completion of U.S. Constitution requirement met by exam, transcript verifying completed U.S. Constitution coursework or CSU Bachelor’s degree
• Successful completion of all four TPA Tasks
• Proof of passing the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) – Multiple Subject candidates only. Scores must be valid at the time of recommendation
• CPR certification for Infant, Child, and Adult (must be valid when candidate applies for teaching credential)
• BCLAD only – verification of passing scores on oral and written language proficiency examinations
• Undergraduate candidates must have successful completion of the Credential Portfolio
• 3.0 GPA (grades of “D”, “F”, or “U” are not accepted)
• Zero Account Balance

Please contact a Credential Program Specialist for specific information regarding any of the requirements for the Teacher Education programs.