Advisor Information
Encouraging Undergraduates to Consider a Teaching Career
Talking Points for Undergraduate Advisors
If any student expresses an interest in a teaching career during an advising session, please submit an alert and an advisor in the Credential Program will follow up with the student.
Why become a teacher?
- Make a positive impact on children or adolescents
- Answer a critical statewide need for teachers, especially in underserved locales
- Share a passion for a subject with children or adolescents
- High employment rates and job security
- Earn ~$53-58K to start, with excellent benefits
- Long vacations
- More reasons to teach in Los Angeles (.pdf)
Why prepare for teaching at CSUN?
- High-quality programs at the lowest cost
- Excellent reputation among employers (LAUSD hires more CSUN-prepared teachers—322 in 2018—than from any other program)
- CSUN-prepared teachers are award-winners (e.g., 10 LAUSD Teachers of the Year in 2019)
- CSUN offers flexible programs tailored to students’ needs
- Some teaching credentials can be earned in as little as two semesters
What does the CSUN Credential Program entail?
- A bachelor’s degree in any area is required
- Undergraduates may be eligible for an integrated bachelor’s degree-and-credential program (ITEP in elementary or special education; FYI/JYI in mathematics or English teaching)
- Students choose a teaching area—elementary (“multiple subject”), secondary (select a “single subject”), or special education (“education specialist”)—and apply to the associated program
- CSUN’s programs range from 36 – 49 units
- All programs involve extensive, supervised fieldwork (student teaching)
- Most courses are face-to-face, but some courses have online options
Is financial aid available?
- Eligible students can receive federal financial aid for CSUN’s credential programs
- “Residency grants” provide tuition and stipends for students in certain programs
- Competitive scholarships are available for enrolled students
How do students learn more about programs in CSUN’s Michael D. Eisner College of Education?
Who can advisors contact for more information?
- Credential Office - Monique Brown and Lynn Gabrielsen
- Elementary Education - Mira Pak
- Secondary Education - Julie Gainsburg
- Special Education - Kathryn Peckham-Hardin
Other Frequently Asked Questions
View the questions and answers on our Credential Office website
Upcoming Recruitment Events
View a calendar of upcoming events
If any student expresses an interest in a teaching career during an advising session, please submit an alert and an advisor in the Credential Program will follow up with the student.