Program: SDSU Imperial Valley - Secondary Education, Single Subject (SB 2042) Credential - San Diego State University

May 06, 2025

2025-2026 University Catalog

General Information

Accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

The Credential

Current growth in student enrollment and the need to replace teachers who retire combine to forecast a significant increase in new teacher hiring during the next decade. Students in California’s public schools reflect a wide variety of ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. Teacher education faculty at SDSU Imperial Valley are committed to preparing teachers to ensure the academic success of all students. Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Single Subject (SB 2042) Credential qualifies graduates to teach in a single subject area in grades K-12 and provide Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) and English Language Development (ELD). Most candidates prepare to teach in grades 7-12 (usually junior or senior high school) or in a middle school setting (usually grades 6-8). Students in the program follow a sequence of courses which normally takes two semesters to complete. The program requires a daytime commitment. Examinations and/or coursework prerequisite to program admission, if not completed within the undergraduate degree program, may extend the total time commitment for credential issuance by one or more semesters.

Information Applicable to Both Multiple Subject and Single Subject Credentials

Departmental admission to either the Multiple Subject or Single Subject (SB 2042) credential program does not constitute admission to the university. Candidates who are entering the university for the first time, or who have graduated or who are graduating, and are planning to re-enroll for the credential program must file a separate application for admission to the university during the regular university application period.

Advanced Standing in Teacher Education

A student transferring into SDSU Imperial Valley to complete requirements for a Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential must complete a minimum of six units of professional education coursework in residence at SDSU Imperial Valley in order to be recommended for certification, regardless of the extent of education work completed at other institutions.

Evaluation of Credits

After an interval of five years, courses in education are reevaluated and subject to reduction in credit, in light of new requirements and changes in educational procedures. All courses taken either at this university or elsewhere must be approved by a designated faculty member in order to be credited toward meeting credential requirements or pattern requirements for a degree.

GPA Requirements For Continuation in Multiple Subject/Single Subject Credential Programs

A grade point average of 3.0 or better must be maintained each semester to permit a student to continue in the Multiple Subject and Single Subject credential programs.

Supplementary Authorizations

With completion of additional units in certain curriculum areas, both Single and Multiple Subject teachers can be granted supplementary authorizations to teach in generalized areas in middle and junior high schools (e.g., Introductory English). Single subject teaching credential candidates can also be granted supplementary authorizations to teach in specialized areas K12 (e.g., psychology). Information on requirements for these supplementary authorizations is available through the Division of Education.

Single Subject-Preliminary Credential

Persons interested in teaching in the traditional secondary school will typically pursue the Single Subject (SB 2042) credential which authorizes teaching service in departmentalized, subject matter classrooms in preschools, grades K-12, and in classes organized primarily for adults (classes where instruction is provided in only one subject).

Admission Standards and Qualifications for the Division of Education Credential Programs

Candidates must satisfy the standards and qualifications listed below and submit complete application packets to the Division of Education. There are four points of screening:

1. Admission to the teacher education program,
2. Monitoring of student progress in the teacher education program,
3. Admission to student teaching and
4. Exit requirements for credential recommendation.

Generally, students will apply and be admitted to the teacher education program prior to beginning the coursework of the basic credential program. Application workshop registration and links are available on the SDSU Imperial Valley Campus (IVC) Division of Education website: The following materials should be submitted online as part of the application. https://imperialvalley.sdsu.edu/academics/education

1.Transcripts. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and unofficial SDSU transcripts for SDSU coursework for GPA calculations.

Criteria. Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.67 overall or 2.75 in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units attempted. (Once in the credential program. Students must maintain in a 3.0 GPA)

2. Subject matter competency. Candidates must demonstrate subject matter competency before student teaching. For details and criteria. See https://education.sdsu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/preliminary-teaching-credentials/credential-materials/subject-competency for details and criteria.

3. Tuberculin (TB) clearance. Evidence of a negative tuberculosis test or X-ray showing no active tuberculosis. TB tests are valid for four years and must be in effect during the time that candidates are enrolled in the credential program. Clearance statements may be secured from Health Services, private physicians or HMOs, or public health agencies.

4. Two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a faculty member in the candidate’s major, and one from an individual who knows the candidate well (but is not related by blood or marriage) and who can comment directly on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications for a teaching career in a multicultural setting, work or educational experiences, experience teaching or supervising students or other groups of individuals, personal character, and/or potential for success as a teacher. The signed letters may be hand carried and do not need to be confidential or in sealed envelopes, but must be on letterhead stationery (name, address, telephone number of sender included). If the letters are not on letterhead, the name, address, and telephone number of the sender must be typed on the letter.

5. Certificate of clearance(live scan). This certificate represents a background clearance and check conducted by the State Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Application is available in the Teacher Education office and must be submitted PRIOR to conducting Early Field Experience and/or enrollment in TE 303 and prior to all other courses requiring field experiences. Turnaround time for the clearance is usually about four to six weeks, unless additional information is requested by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) in which case it may take as long as eight months. Possessors of K-12 California credentials, emergency permits, or substitute permits may satisfy this requirement by submitting copies of those certificates. Candidates must submit the application directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing through the online application process. The CTC website, http://ctc.ca.gov is the official record of any clearance, credential, or permit issued. If you do not yet have the clearance, a copy of the application must be provided to the SDSU Imperial Valley Division of Education.

Criteria. Hold a valid certificate of clearance from the State of California. In the event that the State Department of Justice and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation notifies the university of a “HOLD” on any pending application, the student will NOT be able Undergraduate students in their final semester prior to obtaining a baccalaureate degree may sign up for concurrent post-baccalaureate credit as explained in to continue in any Early Field Experience placement and/ or TE 303 course activities.

6. Professional Goals Essay. This essay should address the following items:

The candidate’s interest in and motivation for a teaching career in a multicultural setting;
The candidate’s personal background and experience working with children in multicultural settings;
Other experiences personally considered important in the teacher preparation process;
Any abilities, knowledge, skills, or experiences that will enhance the candidate’s effectiveness as a teacher (e.g., ability to speak another language, play a musical instrument, use technologies, or experience working with individuals with disabilities or special needs).

Further information on the professional goals essay is available in the Division of Education.

Criteria. Essay demonstrating professional language skills and an aptitude for the profession.

7. Oral Interview and/or Video. An oral interview with a panel of Division of Education faculty and/or a video. Details provided in the application workshop.

Criteria. Proficiency in communication and critical thinking skills, positive disposition related to diversity and acceptable beginning level skills related to the teaching and learning process.

8. Prerequisite Courses. The courses listed under prerequisites must be completed prior to student teaching with a grade of C (2.0) or better. Overall GPA in all prerequisite and program courses must be at least 3.0.

In addition to the minimum admissions standards identified above, the Admissions and Retention Committee may also consider qualifications such as previous teaching experience and relevant working experience with children. Due to the number of applicants, application to the program does not ensure admission.

Appeals Process. Candidates who do not meet all the admission requirements may petition the SDSU Imperial Valley Division of Education for individual consideration. Petition letters must be submitted concurrently with the application packets.

Concurrrent post-baccalaureate credit. Undegraduate studetns in their final semester prior to obtaining a baccalaureate degree may sign up for concurrent post-baccalaureate credit as explained in Admission and Reigstration.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite Courses may be taken prior to admission, or as part of the program but should be completed prior to student teaching. Prerequisites may be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better. Overall GPA in all prerequisite and program courses must be at least 3.0.

1. Education Course

This course provides an introduction to ethnicity, language, and culture in education, particularly the ways in which those factors differentially affect educational outcomes for children. The course assists in preparing teacher applicants to work with students from diverse backgrounds by examining both societal and personal belief systems and the ways that those beliefs are expressed in public school classrooms.

ED 451 - Introduction to Multicultural Education Units: 3

2. Early Field Experience

All candidates are required to participate in an early field experience in the public schools prior to admission to the program. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), the Committee on Accreditation (COA) standards, CSU Executive Order 547, and Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations require a set of directed experiences designed to help students learn about the functions and activities of California schools, agencies, programs, and institutions. Candidates must complete TE 303 . The clinical field experience will acquaint students with effective practices in teaching diversely populated enrollments, classroom management and discipline, teaching styles and models, assessments, and learning and behavioral patterns as they relate to teacher performance expectations. Clinical observation and practica address field experiences required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Committee on Accreditation, the National Council of the Association of Teacher Education, and university teacher education program requirements. Early field experience is a 45-hour field placement at an elementary or secondary credential emphasis site assigned by the early field experience faculty designee and approved by the site administrator. Each intern student will complete an early field experience comparability program, approved by his or her school administrator, as a normal part of his or her school responsibilities. All students and interns who participate in early field experience must be enrolled at the university during the timeframe of their placement. All students and interns are advised that school districts reserve the option to require professional liability insurance as a prerequisite to placement in their schools.

TE 303 - The Teaching Profession: First Clinical Experience Units: 3-4

3. Special Education

SPED 450 - Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations Units: 3

Course Equivalencies for Prerequisites

Some prerequisite courses may be taken elsewhere. See “Course Equivalencies” for a list of San Diego area equivalents and the instructions for petitioning for equivalent courses that are not on the list: https://education.sdsu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/preliminary-teaching-credentials/credential-materials/prerequisite-courses-equivalencies. See your SDSU Imperial Valley Credential Advisor for local equivalents.

Core Courses

ED 970 - Teaching Event Assessment Units: 1-3
DLE 601 - Language Policies and Practices Units: 3
DLE 915B - Teaching and Learning in the Content Area: Designated and Integrated English Language Development-Single Subject Units: 1-3 *
SPED 560 - Applications of Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Units: 3
TE 914H - Interdisciplinary Single-Subject Methods Units: 3
TE 922 - Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Teaching Units: 1-4
TE 933 - Teaching of Literacies in the Secondary School Units: 3 *
TE 954 - Humanistic and Social Aspects of Teaching Units: 2-4 *
TE 903 - Secondary School Student Teaching Seminar Units: 1-2 *
TE 964 - Secondary School Student Teaching (Advanced) Units: 1-15 *
*Note. Prerequisites waived at SDSU Imperial Valley.

Preliminary Credential Exit and Filing Requirements

Please review these requirements carefully as some (e.g. U.S. constitution and Health) are specific to filing for your credential, and did not previously appear under entrance requirements, prerequisites, or core courses.

A bachelor’s degree (or higher) with any major other than education.

Subject matter competency. See https://education.sdsu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/preliminaryteaching-credentials/credential-materials/subject-competency for details.

If bilingual – successful completion of Language Proficiency and Cultural Awareness Requirements for language of emphasis.

Verification of current CPR competency for infant/child/adult. Candidates must submit a scan of their CPR card (both sides) issued by the training agency.

California Certificate of Clearance.

Basic skills (usually demonstrated via a completed Bachelor’s degree: CTC options for meeting the basic skills requirement https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667)).

Completion of a CTC approved credential program with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Demonstrated knowledge of principles and provisions of the United States Constitution through successful completion of three-unit college level course or examination. Courses are listed in the General Catalog section under “Graduation Requirements, IV. American Institutions Requirement.”

Demonstrated knowledge of the needs of and methods for providing educational opportunities to individuals with exceptional needs, SPED 450 or equivalent.

Demonstrated knowledge of computer hardware, software, and applications to educational/classroom use (computer literacy).

Knowledge of health education in California, including substance abuse and nutrition: 1-3 units of an approved course – consult advisor for list.

Successful completion of a California Teacher Credentialing approved Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA).

Bilingual Authorization.
To be recommended for the bilingual authorization, candidates must meet the language and cultural proficiency requirements.

Filing for your Credential.
At the beginning of the semester in which these criteria will all be met, candidates file an SDSU Imperial Valley credential request form found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyRPiR97l3xlg5PHEOZj9Eq5bKTnwO_dgUAExsBENv_fbfuA/viewform and pay all associated fees. Criteria are reviewed by the credential analysts to determine if the request is ready to be sent on to CTC (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing).

Next Step: Clear your preliminary credential within five years (earning a Professional Clear Credential)

A preliminary or level I credential is a teaching or service credential that is valid for five years. The preliminary/level I credential cannot be renewed. Additional academic requirements must be completed to qualify for and upgrade to the Clear or Level II credential. Teachers will be able to earn Professional Clear Credentials upon successful completion of induction programs sponsored by their employers and approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. See the CTC website for more information: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/clear-credential.