Individuals who plan to teach at the secondary level need to pursue the Single Subject Credential in an approved discipline of their choice. A Single Subject Credential enables a person to teach in a departmentalized (K-12) classroom. Credential requirements are subject to change based on state and federal requirements which supersede any existing catalog requirements.

1. SUBJECT MATTER COMPETENCY

In order to acquire adequate knowledge in the specific academic discipline, the candidate must complete either 1) A California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved Single Subject Matter Program; or 2) Pass the appropriate subject matter examinations. Point Loma Nazarene University offers Single Subject Programs in the following areas: Art, Music, Physical Education, English, Social Science, Home Economics, Mathematics, Science: Biology. The currently approved single subject matter programs must be completed by June 2009. New single subject programs are currently being written for approval. For more information contact the School of Education office in Evans Hall or the Mission Valley Regional Center.

CCTC authorizes the following Single Subject Credentials: Agriculture, Art, Biological Sciences (Specialized), Business, English, Foundational Level Mathematics, Geosciences (Specialized), Health Science, Home Economics, Industrial and Technology Education, Languages other thanEnglish, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics (Specialized) Science: Biological Science, Science: Chemistry, Science: Geosciences, Science: Physics, Social Science. PLNU provides the single subject credential program for these credentials.

2. PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION

The sequenced School of Education courses required for the Single Subject Credential.

COURSE	TITLE	UNITS
EDU 402/502	Research-Based Learning Theory	3
EDU 304/504	Legal, Ethical, and Wesleyan Perspectives on Education	3
EDU 306/506	Principles of Language Acquisition	3
EDU 508	Assessment and Research Practices	3
EDU 530	Differentiated Instruction for All Learners in the Secondary Classroom	3
EDU 532	Secondary Content Area Literacy	3
EDU 534	General Methods for Secondary Teachers	3
EDU 536	Curriculum Development, Innovation and Evaluation	3
EDU 540	Student Teaching I	4
EDU 541	Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection I	1
EDU 550	Student Teaching II	4
EDU 551	Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection II	1
	TOTAL	34

3. CALIFORNIA BASIC EDUCATIONAL SKILLS TEST (CBEST)

A passing score on the CBEST is required prior to registration for Education 540/541 Student Teaching I/ Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection I. Evidence of progress toward passing the CBEST will be required as part of the application process. Information and application
forms for the CBEST are available in the School of Education office in Evans Hall and at the Mission Valley Regional Center.

4. EDUCATION

Completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university for application for the preliminary teaching credential. A 2.750 minimum overall grade point average is required for admission into the teacher credentialing program. Students with 2.600-2.749 overall grade-point averages may be considered for admission on appeal.

5. U.S. CONSTITUTION

Met by exam or approved course.

6. DEVELOPING ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS

Met by passing Education 532.

7. TEACHER PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT (TPA)

In addition to completing the required coursework for the preliminary teaching credential, all candidates will also be required to successfully pass California’s Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA). The TPA consists of four tasks. Each task covers specific Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) defined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Specific TPA tasks are included as part of, or corresponding to, the coursework in PLNU's credential programs.

8. CURRENT CPR CERTIFICATION

Successful completion of an approved infant-child-adult CPR course and documentation of that fact is required before applying for a preliminary credential.

9. COMPUTER LEVEL I COMPETENCIES

Computer Level I competencies are embedded into Education coursework and successful completion of coursework will meet this standard.

By completing steps 1-9 satisfactorily a student may apply for a Preliminary Teaching Credential, which is valid for five years.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Students must file for the credential through the credential analyst at Mission Valley. Students are recommended for their credential based on successful passage of all current credential requirements. Credential requirements are subject to change based on state and federal requirements which supersede any existing catalog requirements.

This application process is completed with credential analyst.

Additional Endorsements: Subject matter and supplementary authorizations are endorsements to a credential that allow an individual to teach a class or classes in a subject outside the area in which he/she earned a credential.

There are two types of added endorsements : Subject matter authorizations and supplementary authorizations. The subjects include but are not limited to: Art, English, Languages other than English, Mathematics, Science and Social Science. For more information about authorizations, contact a School of Education faculty advisor or credential analyst.

OBTAINING A PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL

Candidates will earn the Professional Clear Credential through a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved Professional Teacher Induction program through an approved school district, county office of education, college or university, consortium, or private school. The Induction Program includes the advanced study of health education, special education, computer education, and teaching English learners.

PLNU offers a special Master of Arts in Education degree with a concentration in Teaching and Learning in partnership with public school districts offering a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) Induction Program.. For more information see www.pointloma.edu/graded or contact the School of Education office in Evans Hall (main campus) or the Mission Valley Regional Center.