The Education Specialis​t Preliminary Teaching Credential​ prepares candidates to become specialized educators in inclusive classrooms, providing tailored​ support for students with disabilities.​ ​​The program​​​ offers instructional and hands-on experiences, enabling candidates to work with families, develop collaborative skills, and effectively organize and lead classroom environments. Candidates learn from experts in the field, including current and former teachers, special education directors, and scholars.​

The Education Specialist Accelerated Program is designed for the experienced teacher with a Multiple ​Subject or Single Subject Credential seeking to add a Special Education credential with any of the above concentrations to their educational portfolio.

The Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential leads to a general education credential, qualifying educators to teach in self-contained elementary classrooms, grades K-8.​​

The Teacher Induction Program supports multiple-subject, single-subject, and education specialist teachers in obtaining their professional clear teaching credential.

The Bridge Credential Program offers coursework for Education Specialists credentialed before 2021 to help them update their credentials to the new CTC standards, and bridge the gap between their old special education credentials and the new special education credentials.

Coursework is divided into modules coveri​ng a two-year period, spanning the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. To accommodate working professionals, classes are held in the late afternoons and evenings, and occasionally on Saturdays - all in a virtual format. In the Preliminary Programs, eligible candidates work as paid interns during their second year. 

​Throughout the program, you will receive support from coaches, district support providers, instructors, program coordinators, and directors. Most importantly, you will build strong, lasting relationships with the colleagues you meet in class.

As you embark on your journey toward earning your teaching credential, we want to emphasize the importance of taking your courses in the sequence designed by the program. This structure has been carefully developed to ensure your success and readiness as an educator. Each course builds upon the knowledge and skills gained in previous ones, providing a step-by-step foundation that:

• Aligns with credentialing requirements and state standards.
  
• Ensures timely preparation for key assessments, such as the TPA.
• Equips you with the tools and strategies nee​ded to address real-world challenges in the classroom.

By following the intended sequence, you maximize your learning experience and avoid gaps in understanding that can arise when courses are taken out of order. This progression is not just about fulfilling requirements—it's about becoming a confident, effective educator ready to make an impact on your students.

You'll find the recommended course sequence for each specific program and specialization based on your cohort.

PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential
The program is meticulously crafted to equip educators with the skills necessary to implement developmentally appropriate practices for young children in grades PK through 3. Candidates in this program are trained to design, implement, and facilitate engaging learning activities that cater to the developmental needs of young learners, utilizing principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

All coursework will ensure that educators are well-prepared to recognize and leverage the cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic, and cultural assets of each child, including those with special needs. This credential program not only acknowledges the rich backgrounds and experiences of those currently working in early childhood education settings but also effectively prepares them for roles as intern teachers within PK-3 classrooms, further enhancing the quality of early childhood education.

Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential
The CTE Credential, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), allows experienced industry professionals to teach specialized career-focused courses in California schools. This credential bridges the gap between education and the workforce, enabling students to gain real-world skills and knowledge in one of 15 industry sectors, including healthcare, technology, business, agriculture, and more. CTE educators play a vital role in preparing students for both higher education and competitive job markets by blending academic concepts with hands-on, practical experience.

Designed for individuals with industry expertise, the CTE credential provides a flexible pathway into teaching without requiring a traditional teaching credential. Candidates qualify through a combination of professional experience and foundational teacher preparation. By earning a CTE credential, educators inspire and equip the next generation of skilled professionals, fostering innovation, confidence, and readiness for the demands of the modern workforce. Whether you're transitioning into teaching or expanding your impact in education, the CTE credential offers a meaningful way to share your expertise and make a lasting difference.

Single Subject Science Credential
The Single Subject Science Credential equips educators to teach science at the middle and high school levels, fostering a passion for inquiry and discovery in students. This credential allows teachers to specialize in specific science disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, or general science, enabling them to tailor their instruction to align with state standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Teachers holding this credential inspire students to explore scientific concepts, conduct experiments, and engage with real-world problem-solving. Science educators play a critical role in shaping the future by cultivating curiosity and scientific literacy in young learners.

With the Single Subject Science Credential, educators gain the skills and knowledge to create dynamic, hands-on learning environments that prepare students for careers in STEM fields and higher education opportunities. Whether sparking an interest in environmental sustainability or guiding students toward groundbreaking innovations, science teachers make an enduring impact on their students and the broader community.

Single Subject Math Credential
The Single Subject Math Credential prepares educators to teach mathematics in middle and high schools, helping students build critical problem-solving skills and mathematical understanding. This credential ensures teachers are well-versed in algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and other areas of mathematics, equipping them to meet diverse student needs and align with California’s Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in math. Math educators foster logical thinking and analytical reasoning, empowering students to apply mathematical principles to real-life situations.