Teaching Credentials

Preparing to Teach Elementary School

There are several types of credentials offered by the state of California that students can receive. Students interested in teaching at the Elementary level will be obtaining a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a “self-contained” classroom. The teacher instructs all subjects to the same students on a daily basis.

Q: How long does it take? A: A bachelor’s degree is between 120-124 units (typically 4-5 years to complete). In addition, a Teaching Credential Program takes approximately 1-2 years to complete.

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Requirements:

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.
CBEST: Pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). This can be taken at any time, preferable as an undergraduate. To obtain more information about the CBEST, log on to www.cbest.nesinc.com
Professional Teacher Preparation: Complete a multiple subject teacher preparation program, including student teaching. The California college or university where the program was completed must recommend the teacher candidate for the credential.
Provision and Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Completion of a course in the provisions and principles of our Constitution (Political Science 100 at Cypress College), or passage of an examination in the subject.
Subject-Matter Competence: This can be met by passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). For more information on the CSET go to www.cset.nesinc.com
Completion of the Developing English Language Skills, including reading requirements by successful completion of a comprehensive reading instruction course.
Pass the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA). Cost: $134. For more information on the RICA go to www.rica.nesinc.com
Character and Identification Clearance: You must submit the appropriate paperwork along with fingerprints to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing. Students with a criminal record are strongly recommended to see the Teacher Preparation Coordinator to find out more about this clearance.

College Major for Teaching
As an elementary teacher you will need to teach many subjects, namely, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Sciences, Visual & Performing Arts, Physical Education and Human Development. It is recommend that students major in a subject that will encompass all of these areas; such as Liberal Studies. However, other majors such as Human Development, Human Services, or Psychology are also options for Elementary Teaching.

Preparing to Teach Middle School, High School, or College

There are several types of credentials offered by the state of California that students can receive. Students interested in teaching at the Middle School or High School level will earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential. A Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach a particular subject, such as English or Math.

Students interested in teaching at the college level need to get a degree in the subject they wish to teach. Generally speaking, a student will need a Masters degree or higher to teach at the community college level, and a PhD. to teach at the University. A Single Subject Teaching Credential is not necessary for the college level.

Specific Single Subjects are:

Art
Biological Sciences
Business
Chemistry
English
Geosciences
Home Economics
Health Sciences
Industrial & Technology Education
Language other than English
Mathematics
Music
Physics
Physical Education
Social Science

Q: How long does it take? A: A bachelor’s degree is between 120-124 units (typically 4-5 years to complete). In addition, a Teaching Credential Program takes approximately 1-2 years to complete.

Single Subject Credential Requirements:

Education: Earn a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.
CBEST: Pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). This can be taken at any time, preferable as an undergraduate. To obtain more information about the CBEST, log on to www.cbest.nesinc.com
Professional Teacher Preparation: Complete a professional preparation program in secondary education, including an internship of successful student teaching. The California College or University where the program was completed must recommend the teacher candidate for the credential.
Provision and Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Completion of a course in the provisions and principles of our Constitution (Political Science 100 at Cypress College) or passage of an examination in the subject.
Subject-Matter Competence: This can be met by achieving a passing score on the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for the appropriate single subject area. Cost for the CSET is approximately $216. To obtain more information on the CSET examination log on to www.cset.nesinc.com
Completion of the Developing English Language Skills, including Reading requirements by successful completion of a comprehensive reading instruction course.
Pass the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA). Cost: $134. For more information on the RICA go to www.rica.nesinc.com
Character and Identification Clearance: You must submit the appropriate paperwork along with fingerprints to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing. Students with a criminal record are strongly recommended to see the Teacher Preparation Coordinator to find out more about this clearance.

College Major for Teaching
Under new federal legislation known as No Child Left Behind, teachers new to the profession must have an undergraduate major or equivalent in the subject taught. For example, students who want to teach Math should major in Mathematics. The CSET exam may be passed in lieu of majoring in the subject taught.

Preparing to Teach Special Education

There are several types of credentials offered by the state of California that students can receive. Students interested in teaching children with special needs will earn an Education Specialist Credential. The person holding this credential may work with elementary, middle school, or high school students. An Education Specialist Credential offers the following specializations:

Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing
Moderate to Severe Disabilities
Physical & Health Impairments
Visual Impairments
Early Childhood Special Education

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.
CBEST: Pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). This can be taken at any time, preferable as an undergraduate. To obtain more information about the CBEST, log on to www.cbest.nesinc.com
Professional Teacher Preparation: Complete a multiple subject teacher preparation program, including student teaching. The California college or university where the program was completed must recommend the teacher candidate for the credential.
Provision and Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Completion of a course in the provisions and principles of our Constitution (Political Science 100 at Cypress College), or passage of an examination in the subject.
Subject-Matter Competence: This can be met by passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). For more information on the CSET go to www.cset.nesinc.com
Completion of the Developing English Language Skills, including reading requirements by successful completion of a comprehensive reading instruction course.
Pass the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA). Cost: $134. For more information on the RICA go to www.rica.nesinc.com
Character and Identification Clearance: You must submit the appropriate paperwork along with fingerprints to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing. Students with a criminal record are strongly recommended to see the Teacher Preparation Coordinator to find out more about this clearance.

College Major for Teaching Special Education
The major you select will depend on the subject matter competence route you choose. For either route, select a major that provides the best preparation in the subject area.

Basic Recommendations for All Credential Paths:

Enroll in the Future Teacher Classes at Cypress College.
Earn good grades. Most teaching credential programs require a minimum 2.7 to 3.0 grade point average.
Seek advisement from Velia Lawson, the Teacher Prep Counselor, since teacher education requirements differ at each university.
Take the CBEST as soon as you have completed a general education level English and Mathematics course at Cypress College.
Get as much early fieldwork experience in secondary classrooms as you can. You are strongly encouraged to sign up for COUN 110 to get some of this early fieldwork experience.
Explore your transfer options. What kind of campus suits you best?

For More Information:
For Academic Advising contact Velia Lawson, the Teacher Preparation Counselor, at (714) 484-7178 to schedule an appointment. She can help you choose the best classes for your particular transfer needs. For information about the CBEST (exam), CSET (exam), and Character Reference Forms (if you have a criminal record) please see Dennis Davino, the Teacher Preparation Coordinator, in H-259.

See the Cypress Teacher Preparation website. Also see the blog of the Future Educators Club at Cypress College.

Teacher Preparation Program, Cypress Community College, 9200 Valley View St., CA 90630

Teacher Preparation Office, 2nd floor Humanities Building, Soc. Sci. Div. Office H-259



	Teaching Credentials Preparing to Teach Elementary School There are several types of credentials offered by the state of California that students can receive. Students interested in teaching at the Elementary level will be obtaining a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a “self-contained” classroom. The teacher instructs all subjects to the same students on a daily basis. Q: How long does it take? A: A bachelor’s degree is between 120-124 units (typically 4-5 years to complete). In addition, a Teaching Credential Program takes approximately 1-2 years to complete. Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Requirements: Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university. CBEST: Pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). This can be taken at any time, preferable as an undergraduate. To obtain more information about the CBEST, log on to www.cbest.nesinc.com Professional Teacher Preparation: Complete a multiple subject teacher preparation program, including student teaching. The California college or university where the program was completed must recommend the teacher candidate for the credential. Provision and Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Completion of a course in the provisions and principles of our Constitution (Political Science 100 at Cypress College), or passage of an examination in the subject. Subject-Matter Competence: This can be met by passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). For more information on the CSET go to www.cset.nesinc.com Completion of the Developing English Language Skills, including reading requirements by successful completion of a comprehensive reading instruction course. Pass the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA). Cost: $134. For more information on the RICA go to www.rica.nesinc.com Character and Identification Clearance: You must submit the appropriate paperwork along with fingerprints to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing. Students with a criminal record are strongly recommended to see the Teacher Preparation Coordinator to find out more about this clearance. College Major for Teaching As an elementary teacher you will need to teach many subjects, namely, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Sciences, Visual & Performing Arts, Physical Education and Human Development. It is recommend that students major in a subject that will encompass all of these areas; such as Liberal Studies. However, other majors such as Human Development, Human Services, or Psychology are also options for Elementary Teaching. Preparing to Teach Middle School, High School, or College There are several types of credentials offered by the state of California that students can receive. Students interested in teaching at the Middle School or High School level will earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential. A Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach a particular subject, such as English or Math. Students interested in teaching at the college level need to get a degree in the subject they wish to teach. Generally speaking, a student will need a Masters degree or higher to teach at the community college level, and a PhD. to teach at the University. A Single Subject Teaching Credential is not necessary for the college level. Specific Single Subjects are: Art Biological Sciences Business Chemistry English Geosciences Home Economics Health Sciences Industrial & Technology Education Language other than English Mathematics Music Physics Physical Education Social Science Q: How long does it take? A: A bachelor’s degree is between 120-124 units (typically 4-5 years to complete). In addition, a Teaching Credential Program takes approximately 1-2 years to complete. Single Subject Credential Requirements: Education: Earn a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university. CBEST: Pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). This can be taken at any time, preferable as an undergraduate. To obtain more information about the CBEST, log on to www.cbest.nesinc.com Professional Teacher Preparation: Complete a professional preparation program in secondary education, including an internship of successful student teaching. The California College or University where the program was completed must recommend the teacher candidate for the credential. Provision and Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Completion of a course in the provisions and principles of our Constitution (Political Science 100 at Cypress College) or passage of an examination in the subject. Subject-Matter Competence: This can be met by achieving a passing score on the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for the appropriate single subject area. Cost for the CSET is approximately $216. To obtain more information on the CSET examination log on to www.cset.nesinc.com Completion of the Developing English Language Skills, including Reading requirements by successful completion of a comprehensive reading instruction course. Pass the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA). Cost: $134. For more information on the RICA go to www.rica.nesinc.com Character and Identification Clearance: You must submit the appropriate paperwork along with fingerprints to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing. Students with a criminal record are strongly recommended to see the Teacher Preparation Coordinator to find out more about this clearance. College Major for Teaching Under new federal legislation known as No Child Left Behind, teachers new to the profession must have an undergraduate major or equivalent in the subject taught. For example, students who want to teach Math should major in Mathematics. The CSET exam may be passed in lieu of majoring in the subject taught. Preparing to Teach Special Education There are several types of credentials offered by the state of California that students can receive. Students interested in teaching children with special needs will earn an Education Specialist Credential. The person holding this credential may work with elementary, middle school, or high school students. An Education Specialist Credential offers the following specializations: Mild to Moderate Disabilities Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Moderate to Severe Disabilities Physical & Health Impairments Visual Impairments Early Childhood Special Education Q: How long does it take? A: A bachelor’s degree is between 120-124 units (typically 4-5 years to complete). In addition, a Teaching Credential Program takes approximately 1-2 years to complete. Education Specialist Credential Requirements: Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university. CBEST: Pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). This can be taken at any time, preferable as an undergraduate. To obtain more information about the CBEST, log on to www.cbest.nesinc.com Professional Teacher Preparation: Complete a multiple subject teacher preparation program, including student teaching. The California college or university where the program was completed must recommend the teacher candidate for the credential. Provision and Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Completion of a course in the provisions and principles of our Constitution (Political Science 100 at Cypress College), or passage of an examination in the subject. Subject-Matter Competence: This can be met by passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). For more information on the CSET go to www.cset.nesinc.com Completion of the Developing English Language Skills, including reading requirements by successful completion of a comprehensive reading instruction course. Pass the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA). Cost: $134. For more information on the RICA go to www.rica.nesinc.com Character and Identification Clearance: You must submit the appropriate paperwork along with fingerprints to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing. Students with a criminal record are strongly recommended to see the Teacher Preparation Coordinator to find out more about this clearance. College Major for Teaching Special Education The major you select will depend on the subject matter competence route you choose. For either route, select a major that provides the best preparation in the subject area. Basic Recommendations for All Credential Paths: Enroll in the Future Teacher Classes at Cypress College. Earn good grades. Most teaching credential programs require a minimum 2.7 to 3.0 grade point average. Seek advisement from Velia Lawson, the Teacher Prep Counselor, since teacher education requirements differ at each university. Take the CBEST as soon as you have completed a general education level English and Mathematics course at Cypress College. Get as much early fieldwork experience in secondary classrooms as you can. You are strongly encouraged to sign up for COUN 110 to get some of this early fieldwork experience. Explore your transfer options. What kind of campus suits you best? For More Information: For Academic Advising contact Velia Lawson, the Teacher Preparation Counselor, at (714) 484-7178 to schedule an appointment. She can help you choose the best classes for your particular transfer needs. For information about the CBEST (exam), CSET (exam), and Character Reference Forms (if you have a criminal record) please see Dennis Davino, the Teacher Preparation Coordinator, in H-259. See the Cypress Teacher Preparation website. Also see the blog of the Future Educators Club at Cypress College. Teacher Preparation Program, Cypress Community College, 9200 Valley View St., CA 90630 Teacher Preparation Office, 2nd floor Humanities Building, Soc. Sci. Div. Office H-259