The following is a general summary of admission requirements. Download the application packet, and attend an information meeting for a more detailed description of all requirements.

1. Application

Application should be made to both the University and the College of Education. Applications to the Program are available in the Credentials Office in Burk Hall 244, and on the COE web page. Apply to the University at: www.csumentor.edu.

 

2. CBEST Examination

Prospective teachers must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) to be issued a California teaching credential. Students are urged to take this examination at the earliest possible time after deciding to pursue a teaching credential. This exam must be passed prior to Credential admission. For admission to Prerequisite Education status, prospective students must show proof of registration or passage of CBEST.

 

3. Subject Matter Preparation

The State of California requires that you demonstrate your knowledge of the information you will be teaching. Prospective teachers may demonstrate subject matter competence through an examination called the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). The test information page linked below provides links to the CSET website and additional information. This exam must be passed prior to Credential admission. For admission to Prerequisite Education status, prospective students must show proof of registration or passage of CSET. Special Education candidates have additional subject matter clearance options.

Please read the section below that pertains to the credential program which you are pursuing:

 

Multiple Subject

New federal legislation, entitled ìNo Child Left Behindî (NCLB), has necessitated some changes in how prospective and current teachers will demonstrate they are proficient in the subject matter to be taught in their field.

Previously, prospective teachers could complete a specialized bachelorís degree, in California, with an emphasis in the subject matter content, or be evaluated for equivalency by a college with such a program. Due to NCLB provisions, this option is no longer available for Elementary school teachers. All Multiple Subject candidates must pass the CSET Multiple Subject exam prior to Credential admission.

 

Single Subject

Students may complete a state-approved subject matter program from a California college or university prior to admission to SFSU Credential program. Undergraduate SFSU students who intend to pursue a teaching credential upon graduation have the option of completing an approved subject matter program major in Mathematics. An official letter from a Credential Analyst at the college/university typically documents completion of such a program where the program or a successful equivalency evaluation was completed. Programs of this type are frequently referred to as ìwaiverî programs. People who earned their degrees out of state, or at a college/university that did not offer a subject matter preparation program may be eligible for an evaluation of their transcripts.

Students who have not completed a state-approved subject matter program must pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) prior to Credential admission status. The CSET and PRAXIS/SSAT examination results are valid for five years from the date of passing and must be valid upon final completion of the program.

 

Special Education

Students may complete a state-approved subject matter program prior to admission to Education Specialist Teaching Credential Program. Students who have not completed a state-approved subject matter program must pass one of the approved California subject matter exams prior to admission to the Education Specialist Credential Program. Prospective Special Education teachers may take any subject matter exam available to Single or Multiple Subject candidates. Special Education teachers may take CSET, Praxis/SSAT, or SSAT exams to meet subject matter competence. The CSET and PRAXIS/SSAT examination results are valid for five years from the date of passing and must be valid upon final completion of the program.

 

U.S. Constitution

Credentials staff will verify a course, graded ìCî or better, covering content of the U.S. Constitution, from transcripts submitted with your application. American Government is accepted, and History courses will be evaluated for content. You may be asked to provide syllabi and/or course descriptions. An approved college level exam will meet this requirement.

 

5. Grade Point Average

A student must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.67 to be accepted into the teaching credential programs offered at SFSU, or 2.75 in the last 60 semester units completed. If you do not have the required GPA, conditional admission may be available on a limited basis, by appeal.

 

6. Health Clearance

Evidence of a negative Tuberculin test is required. The tuberculin clearance is valid for four (4) years and must be valid through student teaching. The tuberculin test may be completed at a private physicianís office, the County Health Department, or the SFSU Student Health Center.

 

7. Certificate of Clearance

Students must possess or apply for a valid Certificate of Clearance as part of admission to the Teaching Credential Program. A copy of an emergency permit satisfies the clearance requirement.

 

8. Official Transcripts

One official set of transcripts from each of the colleges or universities attended must be mailed directly to the SFSU Admissions office, and one official set of transcripts must be submitted to the Credentials Office accompanying the program application.

 

9. Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation from faculty, employers, and/or others who are knowledgeable about the prospective studentís personal qualities and potential to work with children must be submitted with the program application. Letters of recommendation are non-confidential. These two letters are in addition to the Field Experience form. We prefer to see at least one letter of recommendation from a professional who can describe your work with students (such as a principal, supervisor, or teacher).

 

10. Experience

At least 45 hours of documented field experience in a classroom or an equivalent documented field experience must be completed. There is a form within the program application that will document these activities. The experience can take place in both public and private institutions. Ideally, field experience should be conducted in a classroom relevant to the teaching credential being sought, but non-classroom placements that include work with groups of children will be accepted. ï Multiple Subject: K-8 classroom ï Single Subject: 7th - 12th grade classroom ï Special Education: K-12 classroom

 

11. Bachelorís Degree

A bachelorís degree or enrollment in the final semester of the degree program is required. A bachelorís degree is a requirement for teacher certification.

 

12. Writing Sample

Writing samples are required as part of the application process. The writing sample includes a 500-600-word essay describing the applicantís interest in teaching children with the diversity of languages and cultures represented in California schools.

 

13. Interview

An Education Program Admissions Committee conducts an interview once all other portions of the admissions requirements are complete.