Application for the Teacher Credentialing Program should be made during the semester prior to the desired start date, following School of Education timelines. Undergraduate students may enroll in Education 304, 306, and 402 on the main campus prior to application and admission to the Teacher Credentialing Program. These courses require a fieldwork component. (See course descriptions.) Potential School of Education candidates may NOT enroll in a 500 level course prior to official admission to the credential program. Request for exceptions need approval of the Director, School of Education, San Diego.

The following steps outline the application process:

• Formal Application: Completion of the appropriate application form.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from individuals other than a professor who are knowledgeable of the personal qualities and potential of the candidate on the appropriate form.
• Speech clearance: An acceptable grade (“C” or above) in an introductory speech course or equivalent.
  
• Scholarship: A cumulative grade-point average of 2.750 or higher. Students with a grade-point average of 2.600-2.749 may be considered for admission on appeal.
• Health clearance: Evidence must be presented that the student is free from tuberculosis. The PLNU Wellness Center is able to provide the skin test. In some cases, a lung x-ray may be required.
• Subject Matter Competence: Applicants must demonstrate satisfactory progress toward Subject Matter Competence by coursework (for Single Subjects) or by examination. Students who have completed a CCTC approved program at another institution must obtain a letter from the credential analyst at the granting institution. Students not meeting subject matter competence through coursework must submit verification of registration to take an approved subject matter examination. Priority will be given to students who have passed all sub-tests of the approved subject matter competency examination.
• Certificate of Fingerprint Clearance: Forms for this certificate should be obtained in the School of Education office. The candidate must have filed for the certificate before the interview.
• Verification that the candidate has registered or taken the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). The passing of CBEST is required prior to Education 540/541 Student Teaching I/Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection I.
• School of Education Interviews: Teacher education candidates may interview with faculty who are representatives from the entire campus. Following the submission of all required materials and the completion of the admissions interview, candidates will be notified in writing of the action regarding their approval for admission. All teacher education admission procedures are under the supervision of the Teacher Education Committee.
• Personal Dispositions: Personal traits required in professional service are expected. These include appearance, dress, poise, punctuality, reliability, temperament, emotional security, and other personal habits and manners acceptable to pupils, co-workers, and school patrons.

APPROVAL FOR STUDENT TEACHING II

Approval to the second student teaching experience (Education 550) requires formal review and approval by the School of Education faculty. Student teaching is a privilege granted to the candidate through the courtesy of the cooperating schools to which the student teacher is assigned. Prompt and regular attendance is required, along with complete cooperation with the master teacher. In order that a student may receive the greatest benefit from these experiences, the student’s academic load and schedule of outside work must be limited. In considering the individual’s application, faculty in the School of Education review the following procedures and minimum standards in addition to formal application:

• Completion of the “Application for approval to Elementary/Secondary Student Teaching II.”
• Subject Matter Competency. Subject matter competency is demonstrated either by coursework or examination(s). Passage of the CSET exam is required for the MS credential. To receive the SS credential, students must pass the appropriate subject matter exams (e.g. CSET) or complete an approved program. (Students should see the credential analyst or a faculty advisor for examination information.) All single subject credential candidates must pass the subject matter competency requirement prior to registering for Education 550/552 Student Teaching II.
• A passing score on the CBEST.
• Physical fitness. All candidates for teacher education and student teaching must show evidence that they are physically fit to engage in teaching.
• Personal Dispositions: Personal traits required in professional service are expected. These include appearance, dress, poise, punctuality, reliability, temperament, emotional security, and other personal habits and manners acceptable to pupils, co-workers, and school patrons.
• Professional attitude. Ability to work with pupils,parents, and school officials must be apparent.

GRADES AND GRADING SYSTEM

Acceptable Grades: The grade of C is the lowest grade acceptable for credential credit.

Required Minimum Grades: All students admitted to a credential program must maintain a grade point average of 3.000 (B) or better as computed on all courses taken since admission to the credential program. Courses accepted as transfer credit from other institutions are not used in computing the grade point average.

Required Minimum Student Teacher Evaluations for Admission Candidates Accepted on Appeal for both semesters of student teaching: The student teacher evaluations are based on a four-point scale (I, II, III, IV). Candidates accepted on appeal cannot receive any scores in the Level I category and cannot receive more than seven scores in the Level II category. The interview committee may recommend the completion of certain remedial work that must be completed prior to advancement to student teaching.