Teacher Preparation Options
How to Become an Elementary or Special Education Teacher
To obtain an Elementary or Special Education teaching credential in California, you need the following TWO elements:
A baccalaureate degree (B.A. or B.S.).
Completion of a Professional Preparation (Credential) Program.
Multiple Subject Credential for Elementary Education.
Education Specialist Credential for Special Education.
The baccalaureate degree
Students who intend to become elementary school teachers need to complete a bachelor's degree. While it is possible to earn a B.A. in many different majors, the major advantages of a B.A. in Liberal Studies are:
The Pre-Credential Option of Liberal Studies is the only path that would allow students to transition into the ITEP-Junior Option.
The courses required in the Pre-Credential Option consistent with the subject matter future teachers must know to meet Content Standards and Frameworks for grades K-8.
The courses you take for the Liberal Studies major help students with subject matter knowledge for the CSET.
The Verification of Subject Matter Competence
Candidates for a preliminary teaching credential from the state of California must demonstrate their competence in the subject matter areas typically taught during the elementary school years. Students may demonstrate subject matter competence by passing the CSET: multiple subjects.
What is the CSET:MS?
It's a test designed to measure knowledge and critical thinking for future teachers. The following are the the three subtest areas:
Reading, Language and Literature, History and Social Science
Science and Mathematics
Physical Education, Human Developement, Visual and Performing Arts
When do I need to pass the CSET?
You must pass all the CSET:MS subtests prior to student teaching.
You DO NOT need to pass the CSET to begin ITEP.
Take the CSET:MS when you have completed the relevant subject matter courses. http://www.cset.nesinc.com/
Completion of a Professional Preparation Program
Students who intend to earn their elementary or special education teaching credential must complete a professional preparation (credential) program. This typically includes coursework in teaching methodology, pedagogy, and student teaching.
What are the Liberal Studies Options at CSUN?
There are three Teacher Preparation Options in the Liberal Studies major at CSUN:
The Pre-Credential Option:
This option provides a B.A. degree in Liberal Studies (120 units). The Pre-Credential Option is designed for students who plan to seek a teaching credential after the completion of the B.A. degree. Students who wish to earn their credential and B.A. at the same time move from the Pre-Credential Option to the ITEP- Junior Option during their junior year (see below). For information about Pre-Credential Option, click here.
The ITEP- Junior Option
This option is a comprehensive teacher preparation program that simultaneously provides the B.A. degree in Liberal Studies AND a preliminary teaching credential in either elementary education (129 units) or special education (Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Disabilities or Deaf and Hard of Hearing) (135 units for MM or MS; 148 units for DHH). This program may be taken on a part-time or full-time basis. Students must begin with the Pre-Credential Option in order to move into the ITEP- Junior Option. For information about this program, click here
The ITEP- Freshman Option:
This option is a structured cohort program that begins in the freshman year and prepares students for careers in elementary school or special education teaching. Students remain together as a cohort throughout the entire degree/credential program. This option leads to a B.A. degree in Liberal Studies awarded simultaneously with a preliminary teaching credential in elementary education (129 units) or special education (Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Disabilities or Deaf and Hard of Hearing) (135 units for MM or MS, 148 units for DHH). For information about this program, click here.
Important Note:
Plan "G" students evaluated before March 1, 2006 in the Pre-credential ITEP-JR or any ITEP-FR student in the Fall 2003 or Fall 2004 cohort may continue to complete this plan for the B.A. degree (and Credential if in ITEP).
Which Options are Best for You?
Are you interested in getting your Liberal Studies B.A. degree AND your teaching credential simultaneously?
If YES, consider the ITEP Options - they are the ONLY programs that provide both the B.A. and the credential at the same time.
If you are interested in teaching special needs students, you may pursue an Education Specialist Credential in Mild-Moderate, Moderate-Severe disabilities, or Deaf and Hard of Hearing under ITEP.
Are you planning to get your teaching credential at another institution OR after you graduate?
If YES, the Pre-Credential Option (B.A. only) may be best for you.
For a comparison between the Pre-credential (BA only) and ITEP-Junior, see below:
Both Options include General Education and Title 5 (U.S. History and Govt.) Requirements.
PRE-CREDENTIAL OPTION: BA only - earn a credential after graduation
Total units for B.A. only: 120 Units (Major 107 units)
Credential after graduation: An additional 34-48 units at CSUN.
Total units for BA and Credentials: approximately 154-168 units
ITEP-JUNIOR OPTION: Earn a Credential and BA degree at the same time.
E ED Track: 129 units
SPED: Mild-Moderate: 135 units
SPED: Moderate-Severe: 135 units
SPED: Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 148 units
Are you a First-Time Freshman ready for G.E. writing and math?
If YES, consider the ITEP Freshman Option in which you will spend 4 years with a group of fellow teachers-to be, doing fieldwork assignments in elementary classrooms every semester.
Are you interested in teaching high school?
Liberal Studies will not prepare you for a career as a high school teacher. For information on an appropriate major, attend a Credential Workshop for Single Subject Credentials (See Credential Preparation Office link below).
Are you planning to earn a bilingual teaching credential?
Pursue the Pre-Credential B.A. only option and plan to earn a post-baccalaureate credential.
For further explanation of these choices - complete a Liberal Studies Informational Workshop. Click here to learn how to sign up.
To learn more about what is involved in earning a credential after earning a bachelor's degree- attend a Credential Workshop. The CSUN Credential Preparation Office offers workshops on a monthly basis for Elementary Education (Multiple Subjects), Educational Specialist (Special Education), and Secondary Education (Single Subject) Credential Information. Click on the Credential Preparation Office link at the bottom of this page.
