SDSU Imperial Valley - Elementary Education, Multiple Subject (SB 2042) Credential

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 three points of screening and an ongoing monitoring of progress in the teacher education program. These are:

1. Admission to the teacher education program.
2. Monitoring of student progress in the teacher education program.
3. Admission to student teaching.

Generally, students will apply and be admitted to the teacher education program prior to beginning the coursework of the basic credential program. These include the early field experience of 60 hours.

Application Process for the Division of Education Credential Programs

1. Obtain and submit a completed application along with required materials.
2. Letters of Recommendation. Candidates must submit 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.
3. Professional Goals Essay. This essay should address the following items:
   1. The candidate’s interest in and motivation for a teaching career in a multicultural setting;
   2. The candidate’s personal background and experience working with children in multicultural settings;
   3. Other experiences personally considered important in the teacher preparation process;
   4. 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.
4. Analytical Essay. On demand essay regarding some aspect of the field of education with the purpose of assessing candidates’ writing and critical thinking skills.
5. Oral Interview. An oral interview with a panel of Division of Education faculty with the purpose of assessing candidates’ proficiency in communication skills, and disposition related to diversity and the overall skills of the teaching and learning process.
6. Appeals Process. Candidates who do not meet all the admission requirements may petition the Admissions and Retention Committee for individual consideration; petition forms must be submitted concurrently with the application packets.
7. Grade Point Average. Candidates must have attained a grade point average of at least 2.67 in all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate coursework or 2.75 or better in the last 60 semester units attempted. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and unofficial transcripts for SDSU coursework for GPA calculations.

Required Clearances

1. California Certificate of Clearance. 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. Legal documentation which meets all current California state law, school district requirements, and university policy on fingerprint clearance must be submitted PRIOR to placement in Early Field Experience and/or participating in TE 303 . 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 to continue in any Early Field Experience placement and/ or TE 303  course activities. 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). 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.
2. TB Clearance. Evidence of a negative tuberculosis test (these 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 Student Health Services, private physicians or HMOs, or public health agencies.

Prerequisites

Multiple Subject-Preliminary Credential

Persons interested in teaching in the traditional elementary school will typically pursue the Multiple Subject credential which authorizes teaching service in self-contained classrooms in preschools, grades K-12, and in classes organized primarily for adults (classrooms in which one teacher is responsible for all the subjects commonly taught). Candidates may be recommended for preliminary multiple subject teaching credentials when they have satisfied requirements listed below. Applicants whose academic program allows them to meet these requirements concurrently with their baccalaureate will be eligible for preliminary certification. The preliminary credentials have the same teaching authorizations as the clear credentials and are valid for five-year periods. Five-year preliminary credentials may not be extended without completion of the additional requirements within the original five years of issuance.

Note

*Prerequisites waived at SDSU Imperial Valley.