Teaching Credentials

MULTIPLE and SINGLE SUBJECT TEACHING CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS

Designed for those who plan to teach in public or private schools (primarily Kindergarten through 12^th grade), these programs can transform you into an accomplished California educator.  The Patten Teaching Credential Programs offer both coursework and on-the-job training in public and private schools under the direct guidance of experienced school site and University Supervisors.

          Who needs a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential?

          Who needs a Single Subject Teaching Credential?

          What is an Internship Credential?

          Overview

          Admission

          Course Sequence

WHO NEEDS A MULTIPLE SUBJECT TEACHING CREDENTIAL?

A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a California self-contained classroom, as seen in most elementary schools. However, a teacher with this credential may also be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom setting regardless of the grade level. In addition, the holder of this credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting.                                                                                                                 

                                                                                            [return to top of page]

WHO NEEDS A SINGLE SUBJECT TEACHING CREDENTIAL?

A Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized settings such as those in most middle schools and high schools. However, a teacher authorized to offer single-subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in his or her authorized fields at any grade level.   

                                                                                            [return to top of page]

WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP CREDENTIAL?

A Patten University Internship Credential may be issued to students who have enrolled in either the Multiple or Single Subject Credential Program. The individual must have received an employment offer from their prospective public or charter school or district, with whom Patten has an Intern Partnership Agreement. The one to two year program is designed to provide participants with classroom experience while they complete coursework, examination, and professional fitness requirements for the Preliminary Credential.

                                                                                            [return to top of page]

OVERVIEW of the TEACHING CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS

The Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential Programs at Patten are specialized post-baccalaureate programs for those who wish to teach in a self-contained classroom in public and private elementary and middle schools. The programs are designed to include all of the requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and special emphases of Patten University, while accommodating differences and interests of individual teacher candidates.

The fifth-year programs incorporate a balance of educational coursework with hands-on field experiences and student teaching in the schools.  In keeping with the broader goals of the University, these programs seek to develop in students the ability to:

• Integrate educational theories and practices and attain high academic, professional and ethical standards appropriate to a successful career with an emphasis on inner-city teaching;
• Acquire knowledge, skills, technology and practices that are crucial in delivering high quality instruction which teaches both basic skills and high-order thinking skills;
• Evaluate one's own strengths and weaknesses for continuing growth as an effective, ethical teacher;
• Appreciate, understand, and be sensitive to students of different racial, ethnic, language, cultural, and religious backgrounds, at different grade levels and with different special needs;
• Create a classroom environment for a diverse student population that promotes high expectations for all students and provides challenging instructions to facilitate students' development;
• Utilize a variety of assessment strategies to evaluate students’ growth and apply appropriate teaching interventions;
• Establish between school, family, and community a climate of mutual respect; and,
• Work with school and community to create and maintain a safe environment where learning can be achieved.

The programs meet the requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Students who successfully complete the required coursework and supervised student teaching, pass the CBEST, meet the academic competence requirement, pass the RICA examination, and meet the moral and legal requirements of the State will be recommended to the CCTC for the appropriate Teaching Credential.

*All sections of the CBEST must be passed prior to the beginning of student teaching.

**All sections of CSET must be passed prior to the beginning of student teaching.

                                                                                            [return to top of page]

ADMISSION to the TEACHING CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS

To help insure admission to one of these programs in a given semester, applicants must satisfy the following procedures no later than 30 days before the semester begins:

1. A completed admissions application form with a $30 fee (personal check or money order payable to Patten University).
2. A Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
3. One copy of an official transcript from all previously attended colleges and universities.
4. A passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).  Those who score five or more points below passing on the CBEST must take an appropriate remedial course in mathematics and/or English as needed.
5. A passing score on the California Subject Matter Examination for Teachers (CSET) for the Multiple Subject Credential; And for the Single Subject Credential, a passing score on the designated subject examination (CSET, SSAT or Praxis II as required).
6. Knowledge of the U.S. Constitution as verified by a CCTC-approved course, or by examination.
7. Verification of forty hours of field experience, and three letters of reference.
8. Tuberculosis (TB) test report indicating that you are free of tuberculosis.
9. Upon completion of the application packet, a formal interview will be scheduled with designated personnel in the Education Division. 

                                                                                            [return to top of page]

COURSE SEQUENCE

*Prerequisites (Can be taken concurrently with other coursework):

          LNG 311/611 Introduction to Linguistics (3)

          CIS 100 Computer Literacy I (3)

          [return to top of page]