Exploring the Single-Subject Teaching Credential in California
For aspiring teachers, California is a fast-paced and in-demand educational landscape. With the tension and uncertainty present in society, the world needs strong, dedicated educators with the resources and skills to transform lives. Pursuing a teaching credential is just one path to entering the field of education and impacting students.
A single subject teaching credential offers hopeful educators a sure way to propel their teaching career. This credential is designed for individuals who wish to teach 6th to 12th grade (i.e. Secondary) or teach one subject matter across all levels (TK-12) as licensed teachers in the state of California. A single subject credential can be applied to a number of teaching positions and open the door to educational impact in California.
Pathway to Obtain a Single-Subject Teaching Credential
One pathway for aspiring educators is the traditional teacher preparation program. These programs are typically structured as four-year undergraduate degrees or one-to-two-year post-baccalaureate programs at colleges with a focus on effective teaching.
Traditional programs are grounded in academic theory and pedagogical practices. They’re the tried-and-true way to learn practical theory and methods with a community of like-minded students and expert mentors. With a traditional preparation program, future educators will participate in an in-depth study of educational foundations, subject-specific methods courses, and extensive student teaching experiences.
This pathway provides a comprehensive background for becoming a teacher without previous experience. This path emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, with some opportunities for classroom experience before graduation.
Teachers who opt for traditional teacher preparation programs receive thorough preparation for the classroom, opportunities for networking with education professionals, and access to support systems that can aid in professional development and job placement.
An Alternate Pathway: District Intern Programs
District intern programs offer a unique approach to teacher certification. These programs consist of partnerships between school districts and credentialing institutions. Candidates actively serve as the teacher of record in a classroom while simultaneously completing their credential coursework.
For example, the Los Angeles Unified School District recruits aspiring educators through its intern program, providing a pathway to certification for those committed to serving the local community. Within two years, urban public school candidates complete a series of courses and portfolio tasks that walk them through educational theory and the application of pedagogy in their classrooms, preparing them to better serve as public school teachers. Through a combination of lesson planning, interacting with families, developing positive behavior support systems, and other tasks, teachers will complete the state and district requirements for credentialing.
Through MSMU’s partnership, future educators can participate in LA’s district intern program and receive their single subject credential while working in a meaningful capacity. Programs like this allow teachers to earn a salary while working towards a credential and gain real-world teaching experience while contributing to the educational needs of the district from day one.
Pursuing a Master's with a California Single Subject Teaching Credential
MSMU’s teacher credential program allows master’s degree students to earn their preliminary single subject credential while pursuing their Master of Science in Education. In the Secondary Teacher Preparation program, candidates complete in-depth coursework that can be applied to their master’s degree while fulfilling the California requirements for a single subject credential. The program is infused with educational theory, practical teaching applications, opportunities for fieldwork and supervised teaching, and advanced training for future educators.
Considering Your Needs and Goals
With multiple pathways available to become a teacher in California, prospective educators have the flexibility to choose a route that aligns with their individual needs and career goals. In considering your personal goals, take your educational background and financial situation into account, as well as the time you can dedicate to training for your credential. Becoming a teacher requires significant energy and time, so be sure to choose a sustainable and realistic path for your career.
MSMU – Preparing Educators Through Personalized Learning
Professionals in the field of education are some of the most transformative, essential, and impactful workers today. Educators are preparing the next generation for success, both in the classroom and beyond. If you want to become a skilled, effective, and compassionate educator, then you need a guide for your journey to excellence.
Our comprehensive resource covers the essentials of earning your credential in California and the benefits of pursuing a graduate degree in education. Download it now:
Become an invaluable educator: The value of Graduate Education Programs and Teaching Credentials
MSMU's commitment to personalized learning means that candidates receive individualized support throughout their training, from tailored coursework to mentorship opportunities. This approach helps to ensure that each candidate can succeed and thrive as an educator, fully equipped to make a positive impact in the classroom.