As a current or rising teacher, you want to support students exactly where they are. A specialized credential for teachers can help give you the skills and experience to empower student groups you’re passionate about. In an increasingly competitive education space, these qualifications can also set you apart as a capable leader in education.
Whether you feel called toward teaching a specific age group, or want to create a class environment that includes multilingual or special education students, PLNU offers a variety of teaching credential programs and added authorizations to help you become the best teacher you can be. Read on to learn more about which teaching credential option is best for your calling.
California Teaching Credential Programs
Preliminary Single Subject Credential
The single subject teaching credential is perfect for new or aspiring middle and high school teachers. You can choose your preferred classroom subject within this program.
- Earn as a standalone credential or as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching
- Hybrid and online
- 33 units: includes instruction and fieldwork
- Prerequisites: bachelor’s degree
Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential
The multiple subject teaching credential prepares new/aspiring elementary school teachers with coursework in educational research/theory as well as reading, language arts, and math.
- Earn as standalone credential or as part of Master of Arts in Teaching
- Hybrid and online
- 33 units: includes instruction and fieldwork
- Prerequisites: bachelor’s degree
Preliminary Education Specialist Credential
For new and aspiring teachers passionate about students with diverse learning needs, this special education credential helps educators create inclusive and effective classroom environments.
- Earn as a standalone credential or as part of master’s in teaching
- Hybrid and online
- 48 units: includes instruction and fieldwork
- Prerequisites: bachelor’s degree
Teaching Added Authorizations
California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL/CLAD) Added Authorization
The CTEL program is for current teachers who want to support and include multilingual students in their classrooms. Through this added authorization, teachers will be recommended for Crosscultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD) certification.
- Can be earned as a standalone program
- Can be earned alongside master’s in teaching or master’s in curriculum and instruction with the multilingual learners concentration
- 12 units: includes instruction and fieldwork
- Prerequisites: California teaching credential or other education-related credential (see Application Information for full list of qualifications)
Reading & Literacy Added Authorization
The Reading & Literacy authorization empowers current teachers to help above-average or struggling readers to get the most out of their learning experience.
- Earn as standalone credential or as part of master’s in teaching
- Hybrid and online
- 9 units: includes instruction and fieldwork
- Prerequisites: California teaching credential + three years of teaching experience
Special Education | Added Authorizations
For current teachers that wish to become dedicated leaders in special ed, PLNU offers a broad spectrum of fully online added authorizations in the following areas:
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Autism
- Emotional Disturbance
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Adapted Physical Education Specialist
Each of these programs can be earned individually (for teachers with an education specialist credential) or as part of the Master’s in Special Education program. Every program includes both instruction and fieldwork.
Find Your Calling at PLNU
Teaching isn’t just a job: it’s a meaningful calling. Wherever you are in your career in education, PLNU’s School of Education has a variety of offerings to help you thrive in whichever areas fit your individual talents and career goals.
Reach out to an academic counselor today to learn how a teaching credential can fit into your life and expand your future opportunities.